Islamic Palm Tree Geometric Teardrop Shape Pendant Necklace 2L

A Gold Palm and Two Birds: The Islamic Palm Tree Pendant

A tall palm trunk rises in a teardrop frame, bearing half palmettes and trefoils in antique gold. At the center a heart-shaped panel holds two birds. This Islamic palm tree pendant hangs on an 18 in chain.

The Islamic pendant necklace is recreated from one of the oldest examples of Islamic jewelry.

Product Details

• Material: 24K gold plate over pewter
• Pendant: 2 in L x 1 1/8 in W
• Chain: 18 in L, gold plate
• Style: Palmette pendant, early Islamic jewelry
• Origin: Made in USA

Reading the Design

The trunk is drawn almost like a real palm. Above it, the tree turns into pattern, with half palmettes and trefoils branching out.

A pair of birds with half palmette wings sit inside the heart. A palmette pendant like this blends nature and ornament. That blend marks early Islamic art.

From Kuwait's Collection

The original is in the treasures of Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah in Kuwait. The collection was founded in 1980 and holds more than 20,000 objects of Islamic art.

The composition suggests the early Islamic period, possibly Syria in the 8th century AD. The attribution carries a question mark in the source. Early Islamic jewelry is rare, so each example matters.

Wearing and Display

Wear the Islamic palm tree pendant over a plain neckline so the design shows. Keep it dry and wipe with a soft cloth.

An Islamic pendant necklace sits well with solid colors. See more in our Museum Jewelry Necklaces.

About Early Islamic Jewelry

Medieval jewelry was often melted down for its metal, so few pieces survive. Fatimid Egypt left some fine examples in gold, enamel and filigree. The Islamic palm tree pendant keeps one early design in circulation. A palmette pendant is a good way into the subject.

For More Reading from the Web

• Learn why so little medieval Islamic jewelry survives, and see a Fatimid gold pendant with confronted birds. Early Islamic jewelry rarely lasts. The Miraculous Survival of Fatimid Jewelry - The Metropolitan Museum of Art