The early rosary was a simple cord tied with knots, a mnemonic device to help count the recited prayers for those who could not read. Over time, it evolved into a piece of real jewellery, made of precious metals and stones, arranged into groups of Ave Marias and Paternosters that alternated to a determined rhythm. This rosary, of gold, coral and enamel, is a beautiful example of the Indian jeweller’s art.

Belonging once to Celisa Quadros, as the inscription indicates, it consists of a fine gold chain threaded with the traditional one-hundred-and-fifty Ave Marias and sixteen Paternosters, separated by short rods, all of coral and gold. The coral Salve Regina (‘Hail, Holy Queen!’) is teardrop-shaped, and surrounded by symbolic gold vine leaves. The pendant Latin cross is wrought with great delicacy, and edged with symbolic clusters of grapes in light-blue and gold enamel alternating with dark-green and gold enamel vine leaves, alluding to the blood of Christ. The cross itself is made up of large coral beads set in gold.