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.

Where's this beauty from?

This sumptuous head ornament (?) sold on ebay yesterday for a very reasonable price. Has beautiful glass and is described as ""steel mesh, with gilt metal (probably bronze or brass) fittings".Curious as to where this could be from. The Balkans? Elsewhere? Thoughts?
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Comments

  • Dear Preethi; To me it is clearly from the Balkan. I have similar pieces with pretty much the same dangles. Anyhow, I bought it - it was too good to let go - I just love those roosters - it is very special! Thanks to a friend who brought my attention to this beauty. With kind regards. Peter

  • Congratulations Peter! That's a great buy. The glass cabochons are such a wonderful deep colour. Which of the Balkan nations would you say this was from?

  • Dear Preethi; I believe that it is from Bulgaria. The dangles are pretty much the same as on some of my other Bulgarian pieces. Also, the rooster is used very often in Bulgarian jewelry design. I will ask my friend in Sofia - I am sure he knows the details of this piece. With kind regards. Peter

  • Peter, I am happy to hear that you are adding to your wonderful Bulgarian collection.  I hope the rich gold color turns out to be the most superb gilding!

  • Dear Hillary; Many thanks - much appreciated! With kind regards. Peter

  • Nice buy!!

    Many forum members i presume were following the auction, including me (hanx preethi)

    However, i thought it is rather greek, or at least bulgarian near the greek border (pomak?)

    I think the Benaki museum has got a similar jewel with the roosters, but i am not sure!

  • I have been slow to see this, but like it very much - not least the richness of the colours, but also the design. I can's say anything original or new about it, as to me too it looks like being from the Balkans - Bulgarian, as several others think, or otherwise very close to that. I CAN say that I like it the more the longer I look at it, which as far as I am concerned is always a good sign!

  • Beautiful!. A great buy, Peter.

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