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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Amazing, better than the book pieces I have seen. Peter you probably have enough to write a book just on Palestinian jewels, there is not more than what you have in the books I have seen.
Dear Lynn; Many thanks for your message. Well, I have quite a few very nice Palestinian jewelry items in my collection and also some very rare Jordanian pieces. However, almost each village or town in Palestine had their own special jewelry, head covers, dresses, etc. (veils were worn by Bedouins). However, only very few of these pieces were ever made and/or survived, which means that there is pretty much no high quality Palestinian jewelry and especially also head covers in the market to buy. If you can buy any of it (through special connections), it costs you a little fortune. I was told just last week that a Bethlehem hat is going now at a price of at least Euro 10,000.-. There is one on eBay for USD15,000.-. I have once considered to purchase a hat from Hebron - it looked gorgeous. The dealer in Jerusalem wanted USD7,500.-. I was willing to buy it but consulted several of my local friends, who know the dealer and know how a Hebron hat really has to look like. It turned out that the hat was composed of several damaged Hebron hats. Hence, it was not an authentic hat and definitely not worth the money the dealer asked for. There are authentic pieces to be purchased here in Jordan as well as in Jerusalem and the West Bank in general, however, at very high cost. If you ever visit Jerusalem or Jordan, I shall gladly give you the corresponding details of very reputable shops and depending on her availability, take you to one of the biggest collectors of Palestinian art, be it dresses, jewelry, etc. here in Jordan. Believe me, you will be stunned by her collection. She is exhibiting her items also overseas, like Switzerland, Mexico, Chile, etc.. You see, it is definitely worth travelling to this part of the world and by the way, Jordan is very safe! I am inviting my team to a 3-day trip to Jerusalem in mid December. Since many of my team members are Palestinians, it is almost impossible for them to visit Israel. None of them, even the Jordanians, have ever visited Jerusalem - for them it remained a dream. However, we have received a special invitation and since we travel in a group, the chances to receive the visas are extremely good. We will be staying at the American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem (a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and a MUST when visiting Jerusalem) and from there go as well to Haifa, Akko, Jaffa, Bethlehem and Ramallah... I am so looking forward to see Jerusalem again (I see the lights of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Jericho every night from were I live!). With kind regards. Peter
Dear Lynn: Since we talk of Palestinian jewelry, please find below a photo of one of my Palestinian necklaces, which is extremely rare - I have never seen one like this anywhere, only some bits and pieces of it. It is double sided, hence, has the same pattern on both sides. I have several 7-souls and other Palestinian necklaces but this is a true beauty. Enjoy! Peter
Oh Peter, I will so love to take you up on your kind offer and when my children are older I will travel internationally again and Israel and Jordan are definitely on my list! What a treat that you will take your whole team into Jerusalem. If you visit any shops you should post some pictures from the interior, they are a pleasure for those of us who can only buy through the computer. (I have never once been able to handle something in the flesh before I bought it!! Ever!)
The necklace is gorgeous!! I love the round beads descending into the teardrops into the crescents. Beautiful. Thank you so much for posting the Palestinian jewelry. In addition to being wonderful to look at, it has helped me find at least one hidden piece (my haydari bracelet, listed as Native American!)
I saw that Bethlehem hat on eBay and another one from the same seller; astounding prices!! That seller may be willing to negotiate, they have recently reduced the prices on the two kirdan necklaces by a large margin.
Excellent veil, i have one a little bit like it and always wonder about the veil part of it, it certainly does not hide any part of the wearer's face, just embellishes it.