Mosaic Star Carnelian Small Pendent

Vermeil and carnelian

The design of this pendant was inspired by the geometrical patterns used on the doors of the 16th century Mosque of Sisarieh.

The geometric designs in Islamic art are often built on combinations of repeated squares and circles, which may be overlapped and interlaced to form intricate and complex patterns.

The complexity and variety of patterns used evolved from simple stars and lozenges in the ninth century, through a variety of 6- to 13-point patterns by the 13th century, and finally to include also 14- and 16-point stars in the sixteenth century.

Carnelian is a translucent reddish-brown gemstone which was once thought to still the blood and calm the temper. The colour can vary greatly, ranging from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration. It is widely used in the region for prayer beads (Tasbeh) and worn by both women and men as pendants and rings, which often feature beautifully engraved calligraphy.

In ancient Egypt, polished Carnelian crystal was a favourite contrast with Onyx and Lapis Lazuli used in collars and necklaces designed for royalty. The ancient Romans were also known to use large Carnelian stones set in gold for men and women’s rings.