Titillating Jewels from Tibet

Oversized jewellery is often worn by women from Tibet and Nepal. This jewelry, while beautiful, is often rustic, with uneven edges. A closer look will reveal that this jewelry is made, not by a machine, but by hand.

To appreciate the workmanship of Nepalese jewellery, it is important to understand the history of the craft. Many of the jewelry craftsmen in Nepal are actually from Tibet. They fled from Tibet to Nepal when the Chinese took over Tibet in the 1950s. Descendants of these craftsmen continue the Tibetan jewelry-making tradition in Nepal today. Furthermore, many who make this traditional jewellery are women, not men. In both Tibet and Nepal, jewelry is important in dress, spirituality, and life. Tibetan and Nepalese jewellery also protects the wearer like an amulet, and most of the metals and stones are believed to have unique properties.

Nepalese jewelry is commonly made from copper or silver, but it can also be made from gold. Most pieces of Nepal jewelry are quite heavy, due to the quantities of metal used to make each piece. This jewelry is often sold by the gram.

Turquoise and coral are the most common stones used in Nepalese jewelry. Turquoise stands for the sky and the sea. Other stones common in Nepal jewelry include lapis lazuli, tiger eye, garnet, and agate.