This image is most commonly known as "Sapta Matrikas" or "Seven Mothers and a Guardian." This amulet is worn for protection -- just imagine how protected you would be with seven mothers, plus a bonus guardian! If seven mothers sounds like six too many, know that they are also called "Seven Sisters." ;-) In my 18 years of collecting, this is the first time I've seen the "guardian" being placed before the "mothers." (You can tell because you can see his legs, while they are all in long dresses.) The shape of the border surrounding these tiny effigies is actually a stylized spear head, thus bringing added protection to the wearer. Even the circle shape of the amulet itself has endless meanings: unity, wholeness, completion, but something I recently read charmed me -- a belief that evil can't find an entry point in round shapes. Balinese silver accents integrate the fantastic patina throughout the necklace, and really complement the 118 carats of graduated amethyst. The gems have the most delightfully subtle variations in color and shape Matching earrings are available. The necklace is 20.25" long.