This beautiful large antique pendant was handcrafted in early to mid 1900's by master artisans. The deep-toned and mottled turquoise is fine classic Tibetan Turquoise...you won't find stone like this anywhere else but in Tibetan Jewelry. Red coral is inlaid within the wide silver channels of the extensive bail portion, which also includes red coral accent beads. The reverse side holds an intriquitely symbolic motif carved in brass within a ring of silver (brass is traditionally combined with fine silver in old Tibetan Jewelry to give it extra "power"). The center of the design on the back is the Life Knot, or Endless Knot  (Shirivasta) ...a symbol of good fortune and one of the 8 sacred Tibetan auspicious symbols. The Life Knot sits within a mandala circle representing wealth and purity, which is further encircled by a ring of clouds...always a good omen, since Tibet is a high altitude country where clouds abound. There are 8 clouds in this circle, symbolizing the 8-fold path towards bliss, or Nirvana. Finally the outer circle is a geometric border called a rolling-thunder scroll believed to bring powerful good fortune. The form of a circle or wheel itself is also symbolic as representing absoute completeness, since it does not begin or end. The circle is also known by the name "chakra."

 

This amazing Old Tibetan pendant is a one-of-a-kind Collectible Museum Quality piece. It is getting more and more difficult to find old pieces like this, since much of the Old Tibetan Jewelry is being sold to local merchants to be melted down for the silver value in tough economic times, and never makes it to market.

 

Tibetan Jewelry Large Pendant Measurements:

    Size = 2 inches long x 1-3/4 inches wide x 1/2 inch deep (1 i nch = 2.54 cm)

    Weight = 45.6 grams (1.61 oz)