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 This
is a love story that has stood the test of time by leaving behind
to the world a tangible dedication of devotion, companionship
and passion. The Taj Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India), considered
to be the Crown of Palaces, was built to house the worldly remains
of Emperor Shan Jahan's number three wife, Arjumand Banu Begum
(1593 - 1631).
As a testament
to the love of his life, Shan Jahan gave his wife the new name
of "Mumtaz Mahal", meaning the "Jewel of the Palace"
or the "Chosen One of the Palace". Their relationship
was well documented by court historians, and Mumtaz Mahal was
said to be a great beauty, with tremendous grace and compassion.
Shan Jahan considered her to be the love of his life.
Paintings of
Mumtaz Mahal show her beautifully dressed in patterned silks
and embroidery with hennaed hands and feet. Her gold jewelry
included a beautiful fan shaped headdress set with gemstones
and hair ornaments encrusted with pearls. Earrings, necklaces,
rings, bracelets and anklets add the finishing touches to this
elegant ladies costume.
My inspiration
for Taj Mahal Earrings came from the fabric pattern on Mumtaz
Mahal's gown and the beautiful gold jewelry that adorns her in
the painting. I think that this painting is a testament to all
Indian women and their connection to the glory of fine jewelry.
A CZ set stone
embellishes a teardrop three-dimensional shape. Created out of
peyote stitch, this teardrop swings at the bottom of this beautiful
earring, offering movement. Three smaller teardrop shapes are
made similarly, connected to each other, and hang from a beautiful
crystal set pair of ear wires.
Skill level: Intermediate
Dimensions: These very lightweight
earrings are 3 ¼ inches long counting the ear wire and
½ inch wide at the widest point.
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