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 Yemeni Silver Earrings.

These earrings are made with pieces of an antique yemeni belt. These flower pendants used to adorn men´s belts, as well as the khol container and the coin holder.
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Comments

  • Magnificent!
  • Quite an effective contraption!
  • Thanks Chantal!  Thanks and welcome back Joost!

  • Very clever!  When I first saw the photo, I thought, "Why don't I have any earrings like that in my collection?   They are so beautiful."  LOL!  when I saw the caption that explained the design.   The post-emigre era in Yemen 1940s - present has seen a lot of innovative ways to use the old jewelry in new ways.
  • I think Chantal is right: with the old jewellery no longer being made, it is put to good use this way!
  • I agree, Joost.  It not only keeps the tradition alive, in many cases it actually preserves the individual pieces of jewelry. Because a careful person who is wearing or displaying the pieces appropriately will make the delicate silver pieces last a very long time.
  • You are right Anna, after the Jewish emigration, some Muslim jewellers tried to reproduce Jewish styles, and others just began to play with antique pieces, creating new designs to sell to the few tourists going to Yemen.

  • I applaud their venture.  They show respect for their past in this way.   I am trying to learn to be more playful with the orphan pieces I find in my collection.  It is so hard now to tear myself out of the traditional patterns.  But frankly, I have not yet assembled a piece that satisfies my eyes.  But I am studying the creations here on this site.  I am not copying, honest.  Just noting and trying to accustom my eyes to new ways of using these old pieces -- even the imperfect ones.
  • It is important, I think, that a customer knows what is being offered, i.e. an original piece or one later made up. Otherwise all sorts of confusions - cultural and financial - set in.
  • Yes, I certainly agree to that.  I try to provide as much of the past adventures of a piece as I can learn.  I admit I do romanticize a bit when it comes to ethnic adornment.  But as to how and when the piece was made I agree that accuracy is required.
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