Title
Peacock belt
Year/Period
c1900
Region
Singapore or Straits Settlements
Dimension
Object size: 4.0 x 34.0 cm
Accession No.
2015-01994
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Edmond Chin
This elaborate gold and diamond peacock belt is from Singapore. It comprises 18 linked gold panels containing, in total, 75 carats of diamonds including a central diamond that weighs over 5 carats. The peacock, traditionally an Indian motif, is the main design in each panel of the belt. Enhancing the design are the exotic colours of the diamonds, which include shades of yellow, brown and orange-pink. Peranakans distinguish between brilliant diamonds like the ones in this belt, known as berlian, from lesser quality diamonds known as intan, which were still prized but not as highly.
