Iconic Silver Elephant & Silver Beads on Necklace of Raw Amber & Tibetan Naga Sh
SKU: 2201
£725.00Price
- Elephants engage our admiration, sympathy and hopefully, support. Indeed, they have become an icon for saving wildlife. And who could forget the endearing childhood stories of Babar the elephant.
- This sterling silver elephant, as well as all the silver beads on the necklace, are the workmanship of the Karen hill tribes in Thailand. The Karen hill tribes use silver that is nearly 98% pure silver. I love their silver because each piece is like a miniature bit of sculpture, individually crafted. It is called Fair Trade silver because the artisans in Northern Thailand are fairly paid. They produce their unique silversmith work in small villages, involving entire families. And the high quality and creativity of their work, has made it renowned. As a result, their silver is more expensive, but equally, more valued.
- It is difficult to see in the photo the wonderful detail of this lively elephant, but one can imagine him charging through the jungle. He does, however, have an elaborate saddle on his back, which implies he has been ridden, probably by a mahout (a trainer, rider, and carer). But it is also appropriate that this elephant has been made in Thailand. The Thais have created caring elephant support centres throughout the country.
- From trunk to tail, he measures 1 ¾” (4cm) wide, 1” (2.5cm) high x 12mm deep.
- The two large, deeply grooved, silver, horizontal beads are 1 ½” long (4cm) x 1” wide (2.5cm) x 24mm deep. And further back on the necklace, there are handsome, hammered silver, beads (17mm).
- At the centre, there are two thick discs of raw amber (20mm).
- Throughout the necklace, punctuating the design, are wave discs of gold-on-silver discs.
- The golden, vintage, amber resin cylinders (17mm x 23mm) are from Tibet. Mixed resin with amber dust is an old technique in Tibet. Pure amber was enormously expensive. This technique created wonderful beads, which were often used for prayers. But they were also enjoyed for personal adornment.
- And the remaining part of the necklace is made up of vintage, naga-shell discs (19mm). The naga-shell is actually a conch shell that originated in Naga Land, India. It was traded in Tibet, well over 100 years ago. The naga-shell represents the fame of Buddha, which spreads in all direction, like the conch shell trumpet. These shell beads were usually used as prayer beads because of their Buddhist connection.
- I have used a handmade sterling silver toggle clasp. Toggle clasps are easy to use and secure. My silver name label is attached at the clasp.
- The necklace comes, like all my necklaces, with its own colour coordinated silk brocaded pouch bag, made by a Shanghai tailor.
- The necklace measures 19” long (48cm) with a pendant drop of 1 ½” (4cm).
