| Article number: | KJD16 |
| Availability: | In stock (1) |
Gorgeous Antique Tibetan Necklace
Information on this antique Tibetan Collection:
As with most Tibetan Artisans, Thangka artists, Silversmiths, and Sculptors —They don’t want to share their techniques with strangers. Much of the Tibetan art and craft that we at UCH (The Urban Clothes Horse) source, can trace roots back to the art of the thangka. Thangkas are Tibetan silk paintings that feature intricate painted and/ or embroidered (in gold) Buddhist deities, scenes and mandalas (geometric patterns that have different significance in Buddhist culture, representing the universe or serving as a receptacle for deities).
“Their craft is very tight-knit. They will not let it get out of the family,”.
Most of the Tibetan jewelry that we display, is based on Tibetan Buddhist traditions that find their way into necklaces, pendants, and bracelets; usually taking the form of Buddhist deities and motifs placed on circular backgrounds. The motifs are all handcrafted on material like coral, shell, lapis, silver, brass, and turquoise. Some are studded with stained glass, and oterhs precious stones like rubies and emeralds.
Some of the items on display are original pieces that have bought back from trips to Nepal and others are sources from Fine Antique jewlery collectors. Usually, More’s contribution to the jewellery is at the planning stages, when she gives her colour and size preferences to the artists. There is a traditional heft and boldness to Tibetan jewelry. “They do a lot of work with copper, brass, silver and occasionally on 24 carat gold,” says More.
We know that by displaying such works, our customers get to learn about and truly enjoy gorgeous, one-of-a-kind, handmade Tibetan Art Jewelry! The beauty of these incredible pieces, whether they are 50-100 years old, or new replicas, modern or traditional, Tibetan Art Jewelry is a fashion statement. and can be worn simply over a Tee with Jeans, or with a sophisticated dress for an event. Enjoy and treasure your genuine Tibetan Jewelry.
Tibetan jewelry and art is deeply symbolic. It is part of everyday life and is connected with religious beliefs. Tibetans are Buddhist and chanting is an important part of their culture. Ohm or om is a chant recognized by most people but the full popular ancient mantra (sacred word or phrase) of Tibet is om mani padme hum. This mantra is sometimes inscribed on Tibetan jewelry and loosely translated, it means that through practice, it is possible for the impure (unenlightened) to achieve The Jewel in the Lotus; Buddhahood.
Tibetan jewelry is quite beautiful, stylish and simple with vibrant colors. The colors most used are bright red and light-blue. Other colors used are green and yellow. Tibetans value their jewelry based on its color, size and symbolism. Tibetan jewelry, including silver and gold, also tends to be much larger in size than the jewelry made in most other countries.
Most of the jewelry makers today can be found in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, particularly in the old part of town. Many jewelry makers have been there for centuries, since business remains within the family, the skills passed down through the generations.
The Tibetans have been skilled silversmiths for many years. In fact, Tibetan silversmiths and goldsmiths were believed to be one of the wonders of the medieval world! Documents uncovered in China from the 7th century praise their skills.
The jewelry is made from the highest-quality silver and often features turquoise, red coral and mila amber gemstones. Tibetans believe that turquoise and coral have healing qualities and that gemstones can provide protection. Most of the semi-precious gems are found in the Himalayas with some of the gems e.g. blue lapis lazuli being imported from Afghanistan.
The silver used in Tibetan jewelry is 92.5 % pure and some Tibetan silver jewelry has a rustic, unfinished look to it. It is handmade using hammers and chisels, which makes it charming and unique.
These rings resemble traditional Tibetan horse saddles. They are made from silver, turquoise and red coral.
Tibetan Buddhists can be seen walking around wearing prayer beads, called malas. Malas are prayer beads used for reciting repetitions of prayers or chants called "mantras" and are used during meditation. They have been used for thousands of years in Tibetan, Chinese and Indian Buddhism. The beads are made from an assortment of semi-precious stones, beads and yak bone.
The stones chosen in the mala have a particular significance. For example, turquoise is for wisdom and spiritual journeys. Tiger's eye is believed to create order out of chaos and promote harmony.
The Tibetan jewelry style had a major influence on other cultures, particularly those ferocious warriors known as The Mongols.
The Mongol Empire existed for almost 150 years, up until the end of the 14th century, with the Great Mongol Empire being founded by Chinggis Khaan (also spelled Genghis Khan). The Empire included Northern China, Turkestan, the Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, Caucasus and Iran.
One of Chinggis's grandsons, Kublai Khan, conquered the whole territory of China and became the founder of the Mongol Dynasty in China.
Tibetan Buddhism was popular with the Mongols, therefore, the Mongol taste in jewelry is similar to the Tibetan, with a love of turquoise and salmon colored coral.