Antique Yemen Silver Hirz Amulet and Beads All Signed by Silversmith

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Comment by Anna Garner on July 7, 2012 at 13:23

No, I cannot determine anything about the age, even if I held it in my hands, and nothing from photos or drawings.  I have read and learned a bit of the history of this kind of Yemen jewelry from one of the curators at the National Museum in Jerusalem and from our on-the- ground collector who is Yemeni and often goes there. 

I believe I mentioned in my post that I was simply estimating the date.  Pieces such as this have not been produced in Yemen since 1948, according to all that I have heard and read.  The practice of melting down the dowry of one generation and using it in making the jewelry of the next makes one careful about dating a piece too much earlier than the 1930's, although many of the beautiful beads are probably much older.  I am sorry but I cannot determine the age, only stay within the bounds of a reasonable estimate.  

Anna 

Comment by Anna Garner on July 6, 2012 at 22:05

They were probably not made before 1930 and almost certainly were not made after the migration of the Yemen Jewish silversmiths to Israel in 1848. It is unlikely that they were making a lot of jewelry up to the last moment before leaving, but they may have been. But I would estimate that range of time 1930 to 1948, which among the professional society of American antique dealers qualifies the pieces as antique, if that is the question.  

Anna

Comment by Anna Garner on July 6, 2012 at 18:32

Thank you for the comments, Eva Lea and Jose.  Yes the photos of the Yemen pieces are all a part of the re-strung necklace. 

Anna

Comment by Eva Baby on July 6, 2012 at 18:27

These are the type of beads shown on the other picture? that looks really beautiful! And a lovely picture too!

Comment by Jose M. Pery on July 6, 2012 at 17:46

Very, very nice, Anna. Love this type of beads and work on hirtz. And the colour of the other beads is great.