People from the roof of the world, Tibet, have always believed in the powers of stones and ornaments. Tibetan silver jewelry proved to be highly sought after items because of their value and significance in the light of spirituality and tradition. Get to know what sets it apart from the rest of the world's gems.
What makes these items totally worth the amazement is the fact that they are handcrafted by the jewelers themselves. If one would look at the designs of the ornaments, they can be fairly intricate, which means sculpting them could be very difficult. Despite the machine generated accessories of today, Tibetans have managed to pull off their unique approach and skills.
And yes, all the manual use of hammers and chisels are still applied by Tibetans. That's why their genuine products could not be at par with modern Italian silver that looks really flawless in all angles. But the unfinished and rustic look of the items is what makes them more sophisticated looking and more valuable.
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 is a Buddhist region, the residents also believe in symbols and words they call mantra. The latter can be represented in 6 words that mean The Jewel Lotus Flower Within The Heart in English and translated to Om Mani Padme Hum. Most of their silverworks reflect symbols of the mantra.
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.
It is important that people realize how Tibetan silver jewelry has influenced the art of modern jewel designing and usage. Indeed, the world is home to a lot of wonders, including Tibet which has only become considerably famous in the early 20th century because of their gems.
What makes these items totally worth the amazement is the fact that they are handcrafted by the jewelers themselves. If one would look at the designs of the ornaments, they can be fairly intricate, which means sculpting them could be very difficult. Despite the machine generated accessories of today, Tibetans have managed to pull off their unique approach and skills.
And yes, all the manual use of hammers and chisels are still applied by Tibetans. That's why their genuine products could not be at par with modern Italian silver that looks really flawless in all angles. But the unfinished and rustic look of the items is what makes them more sophisticated looking and more valuable.
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 is a Buddhist region, the residents also believe in symbols and words they call mantra. The latter can be represented in 6 words that mean The Jewel Lotus Flower Within The Heart in English and translated to Om Mani Padme Hum. Most of their silverworks reflect symbols of the mantra.
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.
It is important that people realize how Tibetan silver jewelry has influenced the art of modern jewel designing and usage. Indeed, the world is home to a lot of wonders, including Tibet which has only become considerably famous in the early 20th century because of their gems.
