Coral and turquoise necklace, Tibet

Old turquoise, coral and silver beads re-strung recently in this Tibetan necklace. Both turquoise and coral have a prophylactic meaning in Tibet.

Beads are from 19th century or older (a couple of turquoises are probably recent).

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.

Dimensions:

Length: 48 cm
Biggest turquoise bead: 4 x 1,8 cm
Weight: 82,8 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

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