Turquoise and coral necklace, Tibet

Old turquoise and coral beads strung together in this Tibetan necklace. Both turquoise and coral have a prophylactic meaning in Tibet.

From 19th century or older.

Turquoise is the most favored gemstone in the Himalayas. It was sourced in Tibet, China and Iran (traveling through Ladakh before the 19th century, and through Bombay and Calcutta later on). Coral came from Italy since the 13th century through the silk road.

The string is new, but the beads are old (except for maybe two turquoises) and the composition is the original one.

Dimensions:

Length: 45 cm (17,72 inches)
Biggest turquoise bead: 32 x 23 mm (1,26 x 0,9 inches)
Weight: 118,7 gr

Literature:

“Jewellery of Tibet and the Himalayas”, Clarke, John, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 2004
“Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997
“Colliers ethniques d’Afrique d’Asie, d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003

IND630

SOLD