Photos

Comments

• 

  Alaa eddine SAGID March 15, 2015 at 11:20am

  A truly wonderful and complete piece.

  During my last trip in south Turkey near the Syrian border i saw heaps of these blue ceramic amulets on sale at the local jewelry market, i also spotted them but in a lesser number in north western Iran (Irani Azerbaidjan)

  But i am aware that these amulets in this color were quite widespread in the region.

  The coins dates are outstanding and the presence of a Polish coin is likely relevant to the passage of a polish pilgrim on his way to Jerusalem? We could surmize on a more western levantine origin, but coins do travel a lot!

  how about the chain?
• 

  Sami Yousef March 15, 2015 at 12:30pm

  A beautify indeed Lynn. I would agree to Alaa and your analysis that this necklace is from the levant during the Ottoman Empire rule. I know that the blue ceramic charms are also used in different Palestinian types of necklaces. The chain seems to be palestinian as well,it's reffered to as a "znag" . I am not sure if It was always made in Jerusalem or in Aleppo as well but for sure widely used in Palestine and some parts of jordan (comes in different thicknesses ).the nicely done central piece could ve been Syrian but the coins - including the polish - are present in lots of Palestinian jewlery and hats. Am only not sure about the red glass caped pieces, I only saw them once on a Palestine necklace. I would say either Palestinian or a second guess is syrian - Aleppo area! Buts a beautiful piece despite of the origin Lynn. Br
• 

  Betty March 15, 2015 at 5:10pm

  Another fantastic find, Lynn! Congrats, Betty
• 

  Frankie Carter March 15, 2015 at 6:00pm

  The blue faience beads are referred to in Europe as lochscheiben. I have it from a reputable source that they are used to convey fertility.

  I can`t see the construction of the chain properly but it looks like the type often used in Tunisia and also the Levant.

  A lovely necklace!
• 

  Lynn Ardent March 17, 2015 at 12:37am

  Alaa, Sami, Betty, and Frankie, thank you so much for your comments and sharing your knowledge.  It sounds like the consensus is that this is from somewhere in the Levant, with Kurdish Iraq, Palestine, and Syria as the leading contenders.  This is a very carefully made and carefully repaired necklace.  There are parts of the silver belcher chain which have been repaired with copper, which has been carefully made to the exact same size as the silver parts.  Someone really loved it. 
• 

  Frankie Carter March 17, 2015 at 9:43am

  So easy to love loved pieces!

  More lochscheiben here
• 

  Lynn Ardent March 17, 2015 at 2:31pm

  So gorgeous, Frankie!  Your necklace is spectacular!  Is it Iraqi?  I found this similar necklace on Pinterest, identified as from Iraq. 

  
• 

  Frankie Carter March 17, 2015 at 5:11pm

  Here is the whole necklace, Lynn.It has been said to have come from the Levant, possibly Syria. My seller said she found it in a Texan charity shop!

  If you are interested in the comments it gathered when I first posted it, you can find them with the first photo of it (not this one) on page 8 of my own photos. I have rediscovered it after thinking it, along with others of my favourites, had been taken in error to the local rubbish tip!
• 

  Lynn Ardent March 17, 2015 at 6:05pm

  That necklace is a real stunner, Frankie.  It would be interesting to get Peter's opinion on its origins.  I can't imagine thinking it had accidentally gone into the trash.  That would be the loss of a true ethnographic artifact!  I am currently experiencing my first customs disaster which if UPS cannot find the package will lose a matched pair of Rashaida cuffs.  I am more anxious about the destruction of the cuffs than I am about the loss of any money.  :(  
• 

  Chantal March 17, 2015 at 6:12pm

  Horrible thought....you losing the cuffs...Hopefully its only a delay...Look forward to seeing the cuffs when they eventually arrive.