Two Unicorns Round Pendant Necklace Islamic Art

Paired Beasts in a Circle: The Two Unicorns Pendant

Two unicorns face each other inside a round frame of antique gold plate. Their bodies bend to fit the circle. This two unicorns pendant is 1 1/8 in across and hangs on an 18 in chain.

The Islamic art necklace is inspired by a carved ivory box, or pyxis, made in Spain.

Product Details

• Material: 24K antique gold plate over pewter
• Pendant: 1 1/8 in diameter
• Chain: 18 in L, gold plate
• Style: Ivory pyxis pendant, Andalusian pendant necklace
• Origin: Made in USA

A Box for Perfume

The original pyxis was a small container for musk, camphor and ambergris. It was carved from a single piece of ivory in early 11th century Spain.

It comes from the treasures of Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah in Kuwait. The pendant keeps that perfumed history.

Ivories of Cordoba

Muslim Spain was famous for carved ivory. A Met pyxis from Cordoba, made about 950 to 975, shows birds, lions and gazelles among vine scrolls. It once held jewelry or cosmetics.

The paired animals follow that court style. The Andalusian pendant necklace borrows its symmetry.

Wearing and Display

Wear the two unicorns pendant at the collarbone. The round shape suits open necklines. Wipe with a soft cloth.

An Islamic art necklace pairs well with solid colors. See more in our Museum Jewelry Necklaces.

About Andalusian Art

Spain under the Umayyads built a rich court culture. Its ivories later influenced Romanesque carving in Europe. This two unicorns pendant is a small piece of that world. The ivory pyxis pendant and the Andalusian pendant necklace both draw on it. Each Islamic art necklace of this type is a modest keepsake.

For More Reading from the Web

• See a real carved ivory pyxis from Cordoba, made for a caliph's court. An ivory pyxis pendant takes its form from boxes like this. Pyxis - The Metropolitan Museum of Art