Silk Band Necklace with Blue Chalcedony & Amber
SKU: 1867
£275.00Price
- A handmade, toffee coloured, silk/polyester band supports a deeply carved peapod tied to a double gourd made of natural blue, lustrous chalcedony (1 1/2 inches long x 1 inch wide). Above the peapods are two vintage, traditionally made gold on silver on hardened resin beads, crafted in Afghanistan. The smaller bead is 7.5 mm and the larger one is 8.8 mm. A nugget of whisky coloured natural amber sits on top of the smaller gold bead, and this is followed by another natural, lustrous chalcedony bead (12 mm).
- The double gourd tied to a peapod has a specific symbolism for the Chinese. The double gourd is an emblem of healing and longevity, while the peapod symbolizes fruitfulness and promise.
- The vintage gold handmade beads from Afghanistan have been made using their tradtional techniques. These beads are 18ct gold on silver on hardened resin. The Afghan have been crafting gold for centuries. When Alexander the Great came to Afghanistan his people brought many skills, one of which was working in gold. Like the Romans centuries later, a yellow 18 ct gold was used. One of the techniques used was to take sheet gold and work it onto hardened resin and then decorate it. For me, this handiwork and the yellow gold colour gives the necklace warmth and character and complements the gems.
- The toggle clasp is made from 14 ct gold of silver. I prefer using toggle clasps because they are easy to use and quite secure.
- The necklace comes, like all my necklaces, with its own colour coordinated silk brocaded pouch bag made by a Shanghai tailor.
- The necklace is 17 1/4 inches long with a 2 1/2 inch pendant drop.
