This beautiful piece is called a Mangalsutra necklace, translated as Sacred or Holy threads. It is traditionally worn by a Hindu woman as a symbol of marriage, sacred love, and to protect the inseparable bond from evil. The necklace is said to be symbolic of Deity Shiva and Deity Shakti, to attract Divine principle, to absorb dark energy, and the black beads to protect from "Evil Eye." This is just the short list that these sacred necklaces are believed to carry with them.
It is well-crafted and beautifully ornate/intricate, yet simple and delicate.
It has two markings that are difficult to read. One or both indicate the purity equal to 22k. However, it has been professionally tested as 21K.
The center section of the pendant is triangular shaped measuring 1-1/2" X 1-1/2" with five red and three green enamel circles/spots. The center section has nine gold ball tassel sections with three balls on each. On each side of the center are three strands of gold and black onyx beads linked together (called a "Shagun" chain where every 9 black beads are separated by 2 gold beads). The necklace measures 26" long with no clasp. The gold and black onyx beads measure 2.66mm each. The necklace weighs 35.9 grams.
