The Mughal Dynasty was a line of Muslim emperors who ruled over lands comprising the modern states of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The Mughal style blended the native Persian patterns imported by the Mughals with the indigenous genius for intricate craftsmanship that characterizes the subcontinent. Noted equally for their distinctive architecture as well as their beautiful jewelry, the crowning achievement of this style is the Taj Mahal, the world famous monument built in the Mughal capital of Agra. This gorgeous amethyst necklace reveals the luxuriant splendor of the Mughal court as well as the masterful lapidary work of Indian craftsmen. Amethyst is an important semi-precious gemstone in relation to the Hindu notion of Chakra. As well, Amethyst is thought to protect the wearer from inebriation and other overindulgences. No doubt, this belief is related to the origins of the word “amethyst,” which literally means, “not drunk.” The legendary myth of the origins of this gemstone states that an angry Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, wandering through the woods, stumbled upon a maiden of the goddess Diana. In his wrath, Bacchus set his wild animals upon her and the maiden invoked Diana for protection. The goddess transformed the maiden into a pure white gem and Bacchus, overcome by guilt, lovingly poured some wine over the stone, changing the hue from white to a gorgeous purple. Amethyst is also noted for its calming properties and was believed to protect the wearer from the plague. While the Taj Mahal is still the foremost example of the Mughal style, it only reflects their monumental architecture. This amethyst bead necklace, a treasured possession that would have been worn by a Mughal ruler or a high-ranking member of the court, reveals the intricate beauty of their jewelry tradition. Today, this necklace is both a historically significant work of art as well as a gorgeous piece of jewelry that will protect us from overindulging in our vices.