RUBY, DIAMOND AND BLACK DIAMOND PENDANT, SUBODH GUPTA, 2008

Designed as a plate inset with a circular-cut ruby and scattered brilliant-cut diamonds of near-colourless and black tints, to a fine curb link chain, length approximately 490mm, signed, edition 1 of 1, fitted case.

This is a unique jewel edition 1 of 1. Metal stated to have a high palladium content and plated in 18 carat white gold. One Ruby: stated to weigh 0.24 carats Three Black diamonds: stated to weigh 0.23 carats Near-colourless diamonds: stated to weigh 2.50 carats Condition as new.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This is a unique jewel edition 1 of 1.

Gupta was born in 1964, Bihar, India and is now based in New Delhi.  His work encompasses sculpture, installation, painting, photography, performance and video.   Brought up in rural India, Gupta draws inspiration from his experiences and uses objects of everyday Indian working and domestic life in his work.   Often cited with Marcel Duchamp and Damien Hirst, he works with existing objects such as milk buckets, bicycles, kitchen utensils and cow dung and elevates them to artworks.   Gupta uses these to create emblems and symbols of the society around him.   His work is often seen as a commentary on a migrating nation fuelled by economic growth and a more materialistic mind set.

In this pendant Gupta recreates the shape of a stainless steel pan and contrasts this with precious gems.  The gems work to elevate this basic cooking utensil to an object of adornment. 

Gupta first started exhibiting in the late 1980s, early 1990s and has been progressively exhibiting more as his career has flourished.  Next year Gupta will be exhibiting as part of the Tate Britain 'Tate Triennale'.