Interesting Facts About Tibetan Silver Jewelry

By Mabel Newman


Located at the highest point of the world, Tibetans have always believed in their ability to be closer to the deities. One method of achieving such is through wearing Tibetan silver jewelry that has a long standing history. Here is why these items are regarded as highly significant.

Compared to the modern art of making jewels that employ the latest technological devices, the ornaments from Tibet are carefully done by hand. Indeed, these are made directly from the imaginations and creativity of the people which connotes a rather intricate method before they can be completed.

Talk about manual hammering and chiseling; that's exactly how the materials are molded and finished. This is why they never get to look as flawless as modern jewels but they certainly are a manifestation of great talent. Perhaps, this is what places them apart from their modern counterparts.

Back in 600 AD, temples were found out to have been adorned by ornaments made by people from Tibet, making them one of the earliest silversmiths in the world. They were even thought to have an impact on the whole modern art of jewel crafting during the medieval period although they may have been influenced by other countries as well.

The items Tibetans produce are believed to have powers especially if they are embedded with stones like turquoise and jade, and corals. Tibetans think that these ornaments act like amulets that protect against ill health, invite good luck and fortune, and establish their connection with their religion.

Because Tibet believes in Buddha, they also believe in symbolism and stuffs like mantra which they try to incorporate to their accessories. Mantra can be summarized in the 6 syllables Om Mani Padme Hum which means The Jewel Lotus Flower Within The Heart. The symbol for Om can be found in most items.

China has prohibited easy entry to the region of Tibet and so most of their crafts are kept to themselves. But Nepal, a neighboring country, has traditions and skills similar enough to Tibetans for them to make the same brand of accessories which are now sold commercially. Many online stores now sell the ornaments at different prices and designs.

What is important for people to know is that Tibetan silver jewelry has gone a long way from influencing the lives of ancient to contemporary citizens. The Tibetans' spiritual and often symbolic means of dressing up have molded a great aspect of the world, most particularly jewel craftsmanship.




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