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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The center of this looks like an Indian belt, I have a similar one from Rajasthan. But the chain does not look like Rajasthani chainlink. Usually the chain is much finer and there are at least two, sometimes four, fine chains extending from the center and clipped together by decorative silver pieces.
Becky, I have little or no doubt that the centre of this is Indian, but I agree exactly with Patti: the chain looks distinctly unusual for an Indian belt. That need not necessarily mean that it cannot be Indian, but it does make one wonder. Usually an Indian belt would be much tighter, not so "loose", and without any suggestion (which I think we have here) that it is thicker than it should be. I am at a loss to explain this discrepancy! It looks a good kind of chain even so - but quite strangely untypical.
Becky if you try to OPEN the central part, be sure to turn it in the OPPOSITE direction from what you would do in the west. This is vital: Indian screws always go in the opposite direction. If you do it the western way you will ruin the thread - and irreparably, in all likelihood! So be very careful, and try gently!!
Coming back to Patti's point about the chain: I also agree with her that you would normally expect more than ONE chain.
Hi Becky, how long is this piece? And is it the same type of chain all the way through or is there a thinner chain towards the back?
Good questions, Preethi. And there is no doubt that what we see is the result of good quality work with good quality silver.
I just put up a picture of the entire piece. As has already been pointed out - a more traditional belt would have multiple thin chains joined together at intervals by medallions of some sort. I will make sure to turn the screw the opposit way from normal. Could it be 2 different pieces joined together?
(I commented on the new photo of the complete piece - which I believe is an excellent Indian belt.)