World Tribal Jewelry

For a more in depth look at specific regions/cultures: 

Turkoman Jewelry

I was recently introduced to the jewelry of this fascinating ethnic group from Central Asia and began to research more about the history and traditions of the people. Although Turkmenistan is now an independent country, the Turkmen tribal/ethnic gro...

Bedouin Tribal Jewelry

Much of the silver jewelry created and worn by Bedouin tribal peoples has ceremonial if not religious meaning. Many pieces are made especially for weddings and other important rituals. Traditionally, most Yemeni silversmiths were Jewish. Their work...

Tibetan Prayer Box Pendants

A ghau, also known as a Prayer Box, is a small silver and gemstone pendant within which small sacred items, such as turquoise (believed to ward off evil), miniature scrolls or sacred texts, or Tibetan incense is kept. Traditionally, Tibetans use Gha...

Moroccan and North African Jewelry

North African jewelry, including Moroccan Arabic and Berber, is a rich art form featuring fine silver-work, colorful enameling, and inset stones. Some of the pieces have religious or superstitious meaning, such as the Hamsa, or Hand of Fatima (see b...

Handmade Navajo Jewelry

The Navajo are an Athabascan people who migrated into the Four Corners region of the American southwest roughly 600 years ago. When they settled there, they were farmers and herders. However, when they came into contact with the Spaniards, they learn...