Tibetan ornaments: Ethnic charm unleashe

Tibetan ornaments seem naturally imbued with a mystical flavor. The main materials may include turquoise, yak bones, red and yellow corals, Tibetan silver and other natural elements. Features come together in a simple, unconstrained motif, and the brilliant colors and bold, wild designs instill high fashion. With little need for complicated craftsmanship, a wild, trendy bracelet or necklace can come into being simply by joining several natural stones, corals, and a yak-hide string.

There are a variety of Tibetan ornaments, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, and the crafting techniques include enchasing, inlaying, and wire drawing. In a broader sense, Tibetan ornaments also include living and religious articles, such as snuff bottles, whose hollowed-out designs demonstrate the craftsmen's skills; prayer wheels, which can be found throughout Tibet; barrels to hold rice for offering before Buddha images; sea-snail-shaped ritual horns; and splendid-colored Thangka paintings. All these have become popular.

Vajra

Vajra (Devanagari: वज्र) is a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond. It is a short metal weapon that has the nature of a diamond (it can cut any substance but not be cut itself) and the nature of the thunderbolt (irresistible force). The vajra has come to represent firmness of spirit and spiritual power. It is a ritual tool or spiritual implement which is symbolically used by Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. Because of its symbolic importance, the vajra spread along with Indian religion and culture to other parts of Asia. It was used as both a weapon and a symbol in India, Tibet, Bhutan, Siam, Cambodia, Myanmar, China, Korea and Japan.

Dzi

Dzi stones are made from agate, and may have decorated symbols composed of circles, ovals, square, waves (zig zags), stripes, lines, diamonds, circles, squares, waves, and stripes and various other natural archetypal symbolic patterns. Colors will mainly range from browns to blacks with the pattern usually being in ivory white. Dzi beads can appear in different colours, shapes and sizes. The number of eyes on the stone usually signify different meanings. "Eyes" refers to the circular dot designs, and depending on their number and arrangement, represent different things. Sometimes the natural patterns (usually "layered" swirls) of the agate can be seen underneath or behind the decorated symbols and designs, and sometimes not. Some dzi beads sport what are referred to as "blood spots" which can be seen as red dots in the white areas, which are indicative of cinnabar content. This is highly desirable, but more rare. Another desirable effect is something called "Nāga skin" or "dragon skin," which refers to the cracking patterns on the surface of the bead, which simulates scales. The word "waxy" is often used to describe dzi bead surface, which is the smoothing which occurs over a long period of time (presumably from wear), giving the bead a waxy appearance. Some dzi beads are simply polished agate and sport only the agate's natural patterning as decoration.

There are beads referred to as "chung dzi" or simply "chung beads" which are often highly polished agate designs, can be any variety of colors, may include hand carved designs, or they look very similar to a dzi bead but because of their depictions (for example, the shape of Quan Yin) are not true dzi. Chung dzis include such designs as yin-yang symbols, dragons, and other "newer" designs that were not around during the time true dzi beads were supposedly created. Chung dzi are believed to embody similar properties as dzi but should not be confused with true dzi beads (they often cost much less than true dzi).

Dzi Beads Bracelets

dZI (pronounced Zee) is a Tibetan word to describe a patterned agate bead of mainly cylindrical or tabular shape called "Heaven's Bead" in Chinese. Such beads were etched black-and-white or brown-and-white, with symbols comprised of circles, ovals, square, waves stripes, lines and various other symbolic patterns. To the Tibetans, each of these symbols represents a specific meaning. They are precious possession to the Tibetan, with so many fascinating stories of its mystical power attributed to it.

Buddhas and Deities

In Mahayana Buddhism, the universe is populated with celestial buddhas, bodhisattvas, and deities that assist and inspire the Buddhist practitioner. Among the most popular are Kuan Yin, the Medicine Buddha, the Laughing Buddha and the Green and White Taras. These and other fascinating figures are explored in this section.

Old Chinese Jewellery

Dorje,Vajra

Definition: The 'dorje' or 'vajra' is a diamond (but can also be translated as thunderbolt). It symbolizes what are seen to be essential qualities of Buddhism. Just as the diamond is hard, so the Buddha's teachings are indestructible. The power of the thunderbolt is similar to the power of the Buddha's message that has the power to cut through ignorance and lead all beings to enlightenment.

Beautiful Tibetan handmade jewelry boxes with ancient symbol.

Eyebrows

bottom of the chin. Vertically, the face can be divided into quinti-sections or "Five Eyes"- the distance between two eyes shall be the length of one eye, and the vertical distance between the outer canthus and the external opening of the ear shall be also the length of one eye. In addition, sweet dimples in the cheeks, or Jiuwo, literally a pit of wines in Chinese, are definitely a plus for female charm.

We have a wide range of Tibetan jewellery that include Tibetan gaus and other sacred pendants.

A gau is a unique type of amulet in which Tibetans keep small sacred items. Often these will be pieces of blessed medicine; thread or fabric blessed by a revered lama; sacred texts or mantras, pills made by high lamas (black hat pills, made only by the Karmapa, carry a very strong and powerful blessing); small pictures of deities and other precious items. It is traditional to ask a Lama to bless and fill your gau with sacred items. This is then said to have great power to protect the wearer from all manner of obstacles.





All the gaus in our collection are made by hand in Nepal by Tibetan and Nepalese artisans.

Amulets

Precious Gems

Gem-stone or a precious stone is a highly attractive piece of mineral. But certain organic compounds are also considered as gem stones.

E.g.: Amber

After cutting and polishing gem stones are used in jewelry.

Gemstones fall into different categories because of the composition.

E.g.: Diamonds-Made of carbon

Rubies-Aluminum oxide

Many gems are crystals and classified using a crystal system

E.g.: cubic, trogon, monoclinic

Classification of gem stones

Gems are classified classified into different groups, species and varieties.

E.g.: ruby is the red variety of species corundum

Other colours of corundum - sapphire

Value of the gems

Value of a gem depends on the refractive index, dispersion, specific gravity, hardness, cleavage, fracture and luster. Value of a certain gem changes from the country to country. Coloured gem stones are prized specially for its great beauty and aesthetics.

Processing

Most of the gems are cut and polished before they fit into a particular purpose. Some gems are treated to increase their beauty and some of the non-gem stones are converted to gems by treating.

Methods of gem treating are,

Heating

Irradiation

Waxing/Oiling

Fracture filling

Some gems are synthesized artificially

E.g.: Cubic zirconia

Synthetic corundums

Pearls gone Wild

I love approach to beads, gemstone, and otherwise pretty and precious things to make them exciting, bold, at times a little industrial, and much more substantial. In a sea of vapid starlets these stand out like Dietrich. Without being, like, "wow Joooolery" Long Island bold, either.

See see? Springy, tangy, outsize and yet totally sophisticated. I love.

Precious Things

Mercury's Feature: Jade Treasures There are moments when we discover pieces that stop us in wonder. We will place them here, for your delight. Due to their rareity these are true one of a kinds - Scroll down, you'll see. 5 Colors of Eternity 71mmx40mmx8mm thick $159. Wow! This one is a beauty, and a colorists delight. The sacred Crane of Immortality sits grasping the Herb of Immortality within a garden of lotus blooms, set off by a peach blossom. Peaches are fairy foods, also granting immortality. Exceptionally rare red, green, yellow, pale lavender and a spot of black (on back) jade.

Lord of Mystery 58mmx43mm $159. Uncommonly sophisticated, here is a Chinese Dragon Lord of both Earth and Water, assuring it's owner's fierce ambition will be balanced by a generous spirit. The carving is exquisite, and the 3 jade colors are clearly distinguished on the back. Clasped in 18K yellow gold Rare smoky white/ pale canary/vein of red visible on the uncarved back. Quite luminous and attention grabbing, in a very subtle way.

Freedom & Power 74mmx48mm $169. Usually when this combination is seen the two are antagonists. By contrast this horse and dragon are too enthralled by themselves to quarrel over which is stronger. Both are powerful; one heralds freedom; the other emanates rule. On the back carved lotuses, sacred mushrooms and bats bearing joy adorn. In ancient China the Horse took the place of the present Phoenix, representing women, while the Chinese dragon stood for men. Perhaps this harkens back to that earlier symbology. Yellow/pale blue-green Clasped in 18K yellow gold.

Waters of Abundance 57mmx29mm $129 Such refreshing shades of jade host twin carp, lotuses and the world egg. What better luck in creative endeavors could anyone hope for? Skillfully carved-in-the-round. 18K yellow gold clasp. Greens/yellows/white

Celestial Sachet 53mmx34mm $149. Twin Pi xiu - the Chinese dragons of luck that bear good fortune frolic in the Garden of the Immortals. Carved in 3D as a sachet, you can put sweet smelling herbs - we like lavender - into the Sacred Fungus lantern shape. There is a small opening for herbs on the side just out of view. Gentle lavender/soft green HAS BEEN SOLD

Lady of Charm 64mmx46mm $129. The phoenix is the Sacred Animal of the South, the symbol of women and the harbinger of prosperity. Here a phoenix nestles atop a giant lotus blossom. The lotus symbolizes contentment and purity. it is one of Buddhism's 8 Precious Things. Icy moss green jade Clasped in 18K yellow gold. HAS BEEN SOLD

A Legend is Born 54mmx38mm $139. Just like their Western counterparts, Taoist alchemists were very fond of fantastical creatures with magickal import. These are hybrid monkeys and fairy dragons, bringing the gifts of both. They frolic about a bottle-gourd, the Chinese wizard's spirit carrying tool. Carved in-the-round in a very rare combination of lemon/white/apple green jade. Clasped in 18K yellow

Green Apple Wonder 47mmx36mm $135. Superbly rare - a Kylin (Chinese Unicorn), one of the 4 Most Sacred Animals, sits atop a World Egg carved in radiant apple green jade. The Kylin is the most benevolent of all creatures, will not harm a single living thing, lives by divine grace in its sacred K'un Lun Mountains and brought humans the gift of writing. Legend says it only ventures to this realm to herald the birth of a great sage. It grants compassion, foresight and gentle wisdom. Clasped in 18K white gold. Carved in-the-round. HAS BEEN SOLD

Precious Magickal Gems? Emeralds? Everyone would love to work with truly precious magickal jewels. The problem is they are often already set and, expense aside, you may not want to use them in a ring, pendant, etc.. To solve that, we offer the unset gem for you to use as you will. Our jewel comes with its own certification of authenticity, including image, and wholesale appraisal. Introducing... The Dragon's Gift 0.95 ct. Real Brazilian Emerald $459. Shot in morning light, our emerald is the prized possession of our white jade dragon figurine (not for sale). Emeralds are the premiere gems of healing, sacred to Isis, and believed to 'grow' health within the body and prosperity within the home. Almost a full carat, a gemologist's certification with image and wholesale appraisal ($479.06) are included. Our price is certainly lower than the thousands charged on the retail market for much lesser quality. It's uncommon clarity will be prized for healing use, and its color is a strong green, with the hint of blue seen in emerald from Brazil. 7x5mm oval size. HAS BEEN SOLD Special return policy: If you don't love it, you may return it within five days of receipt, including the certification and all packaging, undamaged and unaltered, by registered mail. After examination by our gemologist, if all conditions are met, we will send a refund check, less the $40. examination fee. Please e-mail us first before returning. Do not deviate from these requests or we can not refund. Bats? Dragon of Findhorn 73mmx59mm $169. A young dragon frolics in a fairy's garden, while a bat overlooks. This piece celebrates the fecundity the Chinese dragon's spirit brings, offers wishes for abundance (peach), joy (bat) and a life graced by the spirits (being set in the mythical garden of the fairies in the Sacred Mountains of the West). Carved in-the-round. Back view on Buy Page. Moss/olive green and greyish white jade Double Mischief 47mmx26mm $125. There's a legend wherein the fairy folk invite all the gods to a grand feast, where they serve a special fairy food: peaches that grant immortality. Monkey wants to go but isn't a god, so can not. Monkey steals a peach, eats it, becomes immortal and has been a god ever since. Here two monkeys toast their fortune. Lotuses and a bat of joy are on the reverse. Canary/white jade Fairy Deer with Twin Peaches 55mmx40mm $130. An unusual piece that feels more ghostly than real, befitting the deer's reputation. Deer are Taoist fairy creatures that aid the soul's passage to the Underworld. As an Underworld creature, deer are also bearers of wealth, and are often pictured with twin peaches. Those occur on the back side with a bat (see Buy Page), bearing wishes of a long. happy life. This deer also holds Herbs of Immortality in it's mouth. In Taoist myth, deer are the only creatures that can locate them, yet are rarely seen holding any. Moss/spinach shades on icy green/ spot of yellow-red. Something Unusual ? Quite.... Little Bear and Auntie Dragon 56mmx43mm $159. Here's a winged European species of dragon scolding a runaway bear cub - in solid virgin jade! The story is, Mother Bear left Little Bear with Auntie Dragon for the day. Being mischevious he decided to go exploring. Well, Auntie is having none of that! Carved beautifully in lovely lavender with spinach spots and veins, Bears are thought the secular equivalent of Chinese dragons, and both possess ample strength and bravery. The bear is just more of a prankster! Almost 14mm thick, translucent and shot on a US $20. bill to show it's subtle coloring. The Buddha's Hand 54mmx28mm $129. This is actually a sweet smelling citrus used to perfume many Chinese homes. It is highly coveted for the blessings it brings. A fairy dragon, for luck, crawls along the side of the piece. Very 3D, in shades of olive and honey. Clasped in 18K yellow. Perfume bottles? Traditionally perfume bottles, like amulets, were decorated with mythic motifs, We are proud to offer a gorgeous example at a price that is below wholesale, shipping included. Twin Monkeys of Fortune 69mm x 61mm x 16mm thick $295. Harbingers of frolic, mischief and money making flank an urn representing abundance. The bottle cap screws closed, and is perforated with holes for easy application. Try stopping with . a small piece of cotton to halt evaporation. Fine natural green/lavender jade in morning light, displaying a lovely translucence. Dogs? Year of the Dog 51mmx30mm $119. Charming piece of canary on white where multiple coins surround a Yellow Dog in a lotus garden. Representing the Taoist alchemical element Earth, this Dog possesses the best traits of the zodiacal animal and brings them, with wealth, faithfully to its owner. More coins, a lotus leaf and Herb of Immortality are carved onto the white back. Specially priced in honor of the Year! canary/white Animal Power Charms? Chinese Dragon Magick 54mmx33mm $115. One of the Taoist Immortals is a powerful necromancer who carries a bottle gourd with him in which reside the spirits of his helpers. Depending on the intent you will see this motif used accompanied by any one of China's divine animals and a bat image (assuring joyous workings). You will rarely find the popular motif in black jade - the Chinese color of mystery and magick. This one was custom made for us. On one side the dragon breathes out fire and a Thunder Pearl, on the back a lotus blossom. See back image on Buy Page. Black jade, clasped in 18K white Double Monkey Magick 58mmx32mm $117. Here we see the same theme with double monkeys, a fine wish for those born in Monkey Years (1920,32,44,56,80, 92, 2004)- or their closest friends, those born in Dragon or Rat Years. Translucent medium green Tigers? Royal Bearing 63mm circle x 12mm thick $169. Here is a tiger of both ferocity and beauty, in perfect keeping with the animal's magick. Walking over Herbs of Immortality, it's long-lived dominance is assured. Luminous celadon with a thick yellow 18K circle clasp.