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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stunning piece peter. congratulations
Peter, it is a riddle to me how this is worn? It is one set I take it., Fantastic work really. So beautiful.
One can enjoy it as a tableau already. Is it silver guilded? or gold leave? Gr. Ingrid.
Alright, I saw the description on the previous photo. Can you imagine how long it must have taken this skilled jeweller to make this piece, on both sides. Must have been an order for nobility for sure. Still have you any idea how it was used? Stunning.
Dear Ingrid; Many thanks for your message. This is for sure quite an extraordinary piece and most probably used during an upper class wedding, especially also when we consider the Asyk. By the way, only the Asyk is featuring designs on both sides - the necklace is single-sided. I have purchased it from a contact in Istanbul earlier this year. This person (or family) is specialized in Central Asian pieces, especially Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. He has absolutely gorgeous pieces and he has sold many items to collectors, who later on featured them in their published books. You cannot imagine the pieces he has shown me (and of course the corresponding prices) - absolutely fabulous (not the prices). I am sure you know the feeling of being in a shop and at the end you do no longer know which item to choose because there are so many gorgeous items to choose from. This happened to me only once in Sana'a-Yemen and every time I am visiting this shop in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. Of course, I do have to go back to Istanbul sooner or later - once seen one cannot simply forget! He had a similar necklace to the above but never as large (probably half the size) or beautifully designed and colored as this one. Also, he only had one Asyk - the one I have purchased on this picture. But I do not want a similar piece - I am happy with the one I have. However, I am eying an absolutely fabulous Afghani belt and a Turkoman Asyk, which is by far the largest I have ever seen - stunning... With kind regards. Peter
Peter,Thank you for this stunning story, I realize now that they are two different items. The sickness you have is one we suffer all the collectors decease. I know in Ethiopia that whenever the dealers called me I didn.t know how fast to get to their shops, often I took the items even if I didn.t have the funds, always found a way. You for sure should not be sorry for all the beauties you collected. A very good investment and an enjoyment while in your posession. Gr. Ingrid