A pair of carved emerald bead necklaces with enamelled clasps, possibly from Jaipur, Northwestern India, late 18th / early 19th century 1st: The graduated strand of carved foliate 18.0-26.2mm emerald beads, to an enamelled clasp, decorated to the obverse with royal blue and white enamel, polki-cut diamonds and circular cabochon rubies, in floral kundan settings, the reverse of the clasp decorated with white, red and green enamel featuring stylised birds amongst foliage, 2nd: The strand of 14.2-20.2mm emerald beads with carved foliate and five point star motifs, to a smaller enamelled clasp of similar design, lengths: 44.2cm and 40.0cm (2) By repute: Purchased in India in the early 1950s. Thence by descent. For further reading on emerald engraving practices of the Mughal time, please see Keene, Manuel, 'Treasury of the World; Jeweled Arts of India in the Age of the Mughals', Thames & Hudson, 2001.