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.

Old Armenian silver and coral chest ornament

This jewel is constructed like a clasp, but is too light to be considered a belt buckle. it has a bail on each part which suggested that it was part of a larger ornament. Further researches on google helped me find a postcard of a woman wearing a large necklace and a chest brooch made of the same parts. Eventually Betty got me a wonderful picture of a larger 18th/19th century jewel made of similar pendants called "SHAMSHIK" and which could have been used to fasten a plastron or a dress. Scroll down for both references. Would love your input. thanx
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Comments

  • 2506039844?profile=original2506040139?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024

  • This is absolutely gorgeous Alaa - congratulations! Peter
  • Thanx Peter

  • beautiful piece!

  • This is a huge WOW for me!!!  Congrats and if it is for sale I bet it will go very quickly.  What are the flower shapes with the green stones mounted on, is it a flat gemstone like jade or is it silver?

  • Thanx Johanne and Lynn.

    @ Lynn
    I would have loved it to be some sort of semi precious stone but it is just plain silver
  • Hello Alaa eddine,


    I send you a picture (Antwerpen Museum of Ethnography) of a bridal costume from northwestern Anatolia (Bursa province, Keles district, Karakeçeli Yörük ethnic group), with a lot of jewelry.  One item (above the large belt buckle) is a pair of small 'clasps', sewed to the red vest, that are similar to yours (but less 'heavy', which is a general characteristic of NW Anatolian jewels versus the Eastern Anatolian jewelry).  These 'garment clasps' can be purely decorative (as are these ones), or can have a 'hook & eyelet'-system, which makes the clasps functional.


    Best greetings, JM.

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  • Thanx Jean-Marie,

    I am more and more conviced that my piece had to be used in a similar way. As clues are building up, the Armenian provenance is pretty sure and a use a a vest clasp or at least chest adornment is very likely.

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