Gallery

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.

DSC_0456 Libyan necklace, late 60's last Century

Posted by Mustafa J. Salem on January 12, 2015 at 9:53am

This type of necklaces were hand crafted in Tripoli , in the sixties and seventies of last century. They are in gold gradually replacing the silver jewellery which dominated in earlier times . Nowadays more and more machine crafted jewellery is being sold, either in gold or gold plated. This specific necklace was ordered by the mother for her daughter prior to her marriage. Being a valuable 'pure gold' it is being kept within the family to pass to the grand daughter.

Comments

Peter Hoesli January 12, 2015 at 6:11pm

This is a lovely design Mustafa and being in gold, certainly valuable. Congratulations. Peter
Lynn Ardent January 14, 2015 at 3:55am

Gorgeous necklace. This reminds me of Ottoman-style work attributed to Jews in Yemen. Wow!!
Mustafa J. Salem January 14, 2015 at 10:25am

Thanks Peter and Lynn:

The work was done entirely by Libyan goldsmiths, but historically the influence is there. These designs were perhaps originated since years before using gold lire and certain type of filigree. Nowadays only a few old master smiths are still able to do this type of work. As it is very costly and time consuming, most jewellery dealers import mechanized designs that are cheaper in labour and look more elegant though not original.

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