A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.
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A bit more info: This necklace appears very brassy on the front, but less so on the back. The stones appear to be coral, but I may be mistaken. This piece is not heavy. The only thing that I can find that might help in any way is that the puffy cheeked 'monster' faces in the center of each plaque appear to be similar to those found in pieces from Newar/Kathmandu area of Nepal. Thanks for any help!
Yes, this 'monster' mask is the image of Kirtimukka, 'Face of Glory', known as Chepu amongst the Newar craftsmen in the Kathmandu Valley. A number of these pieces were brought back by tourists in the 1960s and 70s. I think the type of work - fitting the stones into the cloisons and carving the tiny coral faces - is called jarao. Many of the pieces I've seen have meditating buddhas instead of Chepus. This one looks as if it is in excellent condition. So many have lost pieces of inlay.
That is a lot more info than I started with, so thanks VERY much Thelma!
Do you know what metal this might be made of? Is it possibly brass?
Not sure about the metal of the little plates here, Zareen. On the necklaces that use precious stones, such as rubies, as inlay, the metal is gilded silver. It might be worth having this one tested.
Thanks so very much!