Handmade Tibetan deals Brass, Turquoise and Coral Necklace

deals This Tibetan focal bead is a large filigreed brass bead with one oval turquoise bead and two triangular coral beads set on either side of the turquoise bead. The focal bead is 1 3/4 inches tall and 2 1/4 inches wide. I have paired this lovely bead with a selection of Tibetan beads made from turquoise, coral and brass. The beads have been strung on a strong, flexible jewelers wire and finished with a brass hook clasp.

This beautiful eye catching focal bead was handmade in Kathmandu, Nepal by Tibetan artists. This area has been home to Tibetan refugees for decades. They fled Tibet, walking through the Himalayas, to Nepal when Tibet was first occupied by China. Although Tibet has been thought of as an isolated country, it was already a great trading nation by the 7th century when it was first documented in written history. It has long been known for its highly skilled craftsmen and jewelers and its incredible jewelry.

Some Tibetans believe that turquoise and coral (“yu” and “churu” ) have medicinal powers. Turquoise is thought to be able to cure liver diseases and poisoning. Coral is believed to be lucky and to bring good health and power to women. It cures fevers and symbolizes the warmth of the sun.

I am fortunate to have several wonderful and generous Tibetan suppliers who live in the United States. They each have several artists in Kathmandu who they work with to create these incredible little works of art. They pay their artists a living wage in a country that is one of the most impoverished in the world. I'm so happy to be able to support their businesses for many reasons, not the least of which is that I have been besotted with these incredible beads since I first began working with them in 2004.

If you'd like more information, a great book is Jewelry of Tibet and the Himalayas by John Clarke. He has traveled extensively in the area and his book is gorgeous. Also, Across Many Mountains: A Tibetan Family's Journey From Oppression to Freedom by Yangzom Brauer is an interesting read.