I have run out of room on this page.  Clicking on the above image will take you to page #2 with a list of items from Burma, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia and Timor.

   CH614.   These mixed glass bead strands bought in Thailand measure an average of 26 inches long.  Most of the beads are wound ones from China, but every once in a while there is something else tossed in.   $28.US/each strand.    (#1, #2, #6, #7, #8 & #9 are sold  -   #3 & 4 are available, all others are sold)    
   CH858.   Here is a typical antique hammered silver bracelet from China.  It is meant to carry luck with the wearer.  I always like seeing the silver on the inside of the bracelet where the seam shows from the folding of the piece into a tube, and then wrinkles are created when it is curved into shape.  A lovely unpredictable texture to contrast with the very deliberate hammered decoration on the outside.  The bracelet is 2 inches by 2 1/4 inches on the inside with a 7/8 inch wide opening.  The silver discs that cover the ends of the bracelet have been filed down around the edges - fairly recently.  Perhaps the edge rubbed against the arm of the wearer and someone decided to soften it.   $145.US.
  CH859.   This necklace looks like an antique piece but is simply a vintage one manufactured in a largely traditional way.  The pendant is a container.  The lid screws off (in the opposite direction that is natural in the Americas and in Europe) and a small scoop is attached to the lid.  The lid has an enamelled blue lion standing on the top.  The pendant has flowers on one side, and good wishes written on the other.  Two lotus blossums hang as pendants.  The central pendant has been added on more recently, perhaps one had been lost over the years.  It is a Christian token and can easily be taken off and something else substiuted there - a blue bead might be a nice addition instead.  The necklace chain is 20 inches long and has a hook closure on it.  The pendant from top of lion to bottom of central pendant is 1 1/2 inches tall.  The necklace sits very nicely and is very attractive.   $185.US.
  CH860.   These bracelets are made by a woman's co-op in the south of Thailand.  The women have escaped problems in their lives to resettle there.  They are very sweet made of stitched fabrics joined together with seed beads.  I consider them a little on the delicate side so not for rough handling.  Bracelet #1 is 7 1/2 inches long.   Bracelet #2 is 7 1/2 inches long.   Bracelet #3 is 7 inches long.  Each bracelet is  $18.US.   (all are sold)
  CH863.   This rather wonderful old necklace (though newly restrung) came from the province of Kalinga, in the Philippines.  It may have originated in North Luzon.  I am more familiar with the same style done longer ago with pieces of shell rather than silver as one can see on page 327 of "A World of Necklaces".  The author writes "A ceremonial sipatal worn by the women, is made up of butterfly shaped bissin mother of pearl elements threaded on a cord of pineapple fibre and hung on a necklace of extremely fine glass beads."  The piece that I have for sale is more of the age of 50 years or so and used ceremonially.   When held by the beaded strap (as in the photo) the entire piece measures 17 inches in length.  You can also see similar pieces in "Power and Gold:  Jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines" pages 307-308.   $880.US.
  CH864.   I have a group of silver discs from Central and West Timor, Indonesia, often worn by the Atoni.  These have been worn for many years as forehead ornaments by warriors sometimes sewn onto a head cloth, and at other times two pieces would be connected by a string of small beads.  Large discs were often strung unto cords and hung around the neck.  Certain designs are also worn by women after birth, especially those with a crescent design.  Check pages 297-299 of "Power and Gold:  Jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines."  This disc is a very charming antique which is 3 1/5 inches across.  It has a soft hammered oval in the middle and a stringing hole.   $165.US.   (sold)
  CH865.   I have a group of silver discs from Central and West Timor, Indonesia, often worn by the Atoni.  These have been worn for many years as forehead ornaments by warriors sometimes sewn onto a head cloth, and at other times two pieces would be connected by a string of small beads.  Large discs were often strung unto cords and hung around the neck.  Certain designs are also worn by women after birth, especially those with a crescent design.  Check pages 297-299 of "Power and Gold:  Jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines."  This antique silver disc still had the cord used when it was last worn.  It is 2 3/4 inches across and has a variety of work used making the pattern.  If you look carefully each point of the sun or star has delicate, tiny, 5 pointed stars hammered into it.   $115.US.    (sold)
  CH866.   I have a group of silver discs from Central and West Timor, Indonesia, often worn by the Atoni.  These have been worn for many years as forehead ornaments by warriors sometimes sewn onto a head cloth, and at other times two pieces would be connected by a string of small beads.  Large discs were often strung unto cords and hung around the neck.  Certain designs are also worn by women after birth, especially those with a crescent design.  Check pages 297-299 of "Power and Gold:  Jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines."   This antique silver disc is 3 1/2 inches across, quite thick and substantial feeling and carefully hammered with a round protrusion surrounded by little pounded dots and hammered spots.  It has an oval stringing hole.   $185.US.
  CH867.   I have a group of silver discs from Central and West Timor, Indonesia, often worn by the Atoni.  These have been worn for many years as forehead ornaments by warriors sometimes sewn onto a head cloth, and at other times two pieces would be connected by a string of small beads.  Large discs were often strung unto cords and hung around the neck.  Certain designs are also worn by women after birth, especially those with a crescent design.  Check pages 297-299 of "Power and Gold:  Jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines."  This antique silver disc is quite different than the others.  Rather than creating a pattern at the center of the piece, a short wall has been hammered all around the outer edge.  A small amount of decoration has been added around the fairly central stringing hole.  This circular piece (3 7/8 inches across) has been hammered flat.  If you are holding the piece you can see the irregular surface caused by the hammering as well as an area on the back where it has been roughened by a flame used.  It was mostly likely annealed during the hammering - the silver softened by flaming it, then dunking it in water, over and over so that it would not crack from the impact of the hammering.    $175.US.   (sold)
  CH868.   I have a group of silver discs from Central and West Timor, Indonesia, often worn by the Atoni.  These have been worn for many years as forehead ornaments by warriors sometimes sewn onto a head cloth, and at other times two pieces would be connected by a string of small beads.  Large discs were often strung unto cords and hung around the neck.  Certain designs are also worn by women after birth, especially those with a crescent design.  Check pages 297-299 of "Power and Gold:  Jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines."  This highly decorated antique silver disc has been worn for many years.  The cord from its last owner is still in the stringing hole.  The disc is 3 1/16 inches across.  The domed parts gleam from being touched as does part of the outer edge.   $165.US.   (sold)
  CH869.   I have a group of silver discs from Central and West Timor, Indonesia, often worn by the Atoni.  These have been worn for many years as forehead ornaments by warriors sometimes sewn onto a head cloth, and at other times two pieces would be connected by a string of small beads.  Large discs were often strung unto cords and hung around the neck.  Certain designs are also worn by women after birth, especially those with a crescent design.  Check pages 297-299 of "Power and Gold:  Jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines."  This antique silver disc is much more attractive in real life, as they all are.  Silver has a richness to it that these photographs have not captured.  The hammered design in the middle is floral in nature.  Some more squiggles have been added around the stringing hole.  The piece is 3 1/8 inches across.   $165.US.   (sold)
  CH870.   I have always been very attracted to Hmong spirit locks.  They are meant to ground the wearer to the earth and offer protection.  The spirit locks are hung by chains, beads or cords, sometimes alone or sometimes as a part of a more complex arrangement.  This silver lock is 3 1/2 inches across from one side of the arms to the other.  The rectangle of the spirit lock is 2 5/16 inch across and the entire piece is 2 1/4 inches tall.   $235.US.
  CH871.   This Hmong spirit lock from Laos is covered with patterns, from the decorative arms to the face of the pendant part.  The lock is felt to be protective when worn, and this is a beautiful one to keep up the tradition.  From one side of the arms to the other the measurement is 3 1/4 inches.  The rectangular part is 2 1/8 inches wide and the entire lock is 2 1/4 inches tall.  These silver pieces are all much more attractive in real life than in the photos.   $235.US.
  CH872.   Here is another attractive silver Hmong spirit lock from Laos.  This piece has not been polished and will gleam beautifully even if rubbed by the fingers for a while.  Right now the design is not showing as well as it should.  The top portion from the outside of one arm to the other is 3 5/8 inches wide.  The rectangular pendant part is 2 1/2 inches across, and the entire piece is 2 5/8 inches tall.  It can be traditionally hung by a chain or by a cord.  I wear mind suspended by a simple black cord that I can just slip over my head.   $255.US.
  CH873.   (sold)
  CH874.   This is an unusual Hmong silver spirit lock from Laos.  The arms (especially their bases) are surprisingly thick and substantial.  The structure gives a very different feeling to the piece.  The spirit lock has a very fine and complex set of patterns on it and the arms are highly decorated as well.  The piece is a little over 2 1/2 inches wide from the outside of one arm to the other.  The piece is just under 1 3/4 inches tall.   $180.US.
  CH875.   You can see this style of silver bracelet on page 264 of "A World of Bracelets".  They are described as "Golden Triangle, Burma.  These cuffs have braided wires and applied elements decorated with repousse."  These are very attractive with their complex designs and graceful shape.  This is a good sized bracelet, too large for my 6 inch wrist.  The oval inside of the bracelet measures 2 5/8 inches by 2 inches across.  The opening is 1 1/4 inches wide but can be carefully squeezed to be a little narrower and tighter.  The band of the bracelet is 1 1/8 inches wide.   $210.US.
  CH876.   You can see this style of silver bracelet on page 264 of "A World of Bracelets".  They are described as "Golden Triangle, Burma.  These cuffs have braided wires and applied elements decorated with repousse."  These are very attractive with their complex designs and graceful shape.  This bracelet is similar to the one above but not exactly the same.  It measures 2 1/2 inches by 2 1/8 inches on the inside with a 1 inch wide opening.  The band of the bracelet is 1 1/4 inches wide.   $210.US.
  CH877.   You can see this style of silver bracelet on page 264 of "A World of Bracelets".  They are described as "Golden Triangle, Burma.  These cuffs have braided wires and applied elements decorated with repousse."  These are very attractive with their complex designs and graceful shape.  This is a gorgeous heavy bracelet that is unfortunately quite a bit too large for my 6 inch wrists.  It measures 2 5/8 inches by 2 1/8 inches across on the inside.  If you are interested, do check that against bracelets that you already own or have tried out.  The opening is 1 inch wide.  The band of the bracelet is 2 7/8 inches wide.   It is quite heavy at 149 grams.   (sold)
  CH878.   In the area of the Golden Triangle, the spiral is known to represent "the repetitive rhythms of life and the being's permanence over the transience of change."  (from A World of Bracelets)  This bracelet has a fish scale pattern on it which changes as the silver spirals around the wrist.  This bracelet is 2 1/2 inches across on the inside.  You need to be able to squeeze your hand into it...  76 grams   $230.US.   (sold)
  CH879.   Here is a spiralling bracelet from the Golden Triangle.  It has a variety of decorative elements alternating as it curles around the arm.  This bracelet is 2 5/8 inch across on the inside, where the hand has to be able to fit when slipping it on.  I like this pushed up onto the forearm a little myself.   86 grams   $258.US.   (sold)
  CH880.   This is a very heavy silver Timor bracelet in its traditional shape.  This is an antique that has been well worn softening the finish over years.  This is best for a flat wrist, not a round one.  The inside measures 1 3/4 inch by 2 3/4 inch across on the inside.  The opening is 1 inch wide so the wearer's hand has to slip through that.  This is quite a sculptural item.   155 grams   $465.US.
  CH881.   Here is a more dramatically shaped traditional silver bracelet from Timor.  The curve on it is very appealing.  The piece is 1 5/8 by 2 5/8 inches across on the inside needing a flat wrist rather than a rounded one.  The opening is 7/8 inches wide and the wearer has to be able to slip their wrist into that.  This is quite beautiful to look at.   92 grams   $276.US.
  CH882.   This is a ring from Thailand (Akha & Meo) that you can reference on page 172 of "A World of Rings" where there is an almost identical one.   Size 7.5.   $65.US.   (sold)
  CH883.   This is a ring from Thailand (Akha & Meo) that you can reference on page 172 of "A World of Rings" where there is an almost identical one.   Size 8.   $65.US.   (sold)  
  CH884.   Most of what I sell is wearable but every once in a while I add some pieces just because I find them attractive as well as great cultural references.  Here is some antique money from the Kingdom of Thailand.  These are known as Pod Duang (bullet money).  The group of bahts weighs 53.3 grams.  The ones in the preview pic (if you see it about 1 1/2 inches tall) are close to life size.  When you click to see the entire photo it is enlarged so that you can see more of the details.  The largest (1 baht) is just over 1/2 inch across.  The largest coin is 1 baht (Rama IV) Mongkut (1851-1861).  The other five coins are each 1/2 baht (Rama III) Prasat (1824-1851).  They each have a chakra, a sun sign stamped into them representing the god Vishnu.  The other stamps indicate the ruler at the time.  I am selling these as a group for  $295.US.
  CH885.   I find this style of silver ingot coin very fascinating as they are made by pouring molten silver into a mold.  The bubbly part came into contact with the mold, and the flatter part which looks like waves are washing across it is the top. where the silver was poured into the sand mold.  The coin has been counter stamped while still hot - which might indicate the emperor at the time, the value, or be a personal mark.  This is a Chinese Empire Sycee Tael in a drum shape from the 19th century, measuring 1 1/8 inch across at the longest.   $345.US.   
  CH886.   I have three antique Chinese silver pieces here.  #1 is a 2 7/8 inch long pendant with a flower basket at the top, hammered identically on each side.  Hanging from it is an antique coral bead (it didn't photograph well, but is very attractive), with a little dangle below.   $65.US.   #2 is a 4 3/4 inch long pendant from a tool kit.  It has a richly coloured carnelian on it and a nicely decorated pic hanging from that.   $75.US.   #3 is a 3 dimensional lotus blossom with a piece of coral attached.   $32.US.  (#2 & #3 are sold)
  CH887.   This is a very gorgeous antique tool kit from China with a very eye catching butterfly at the top.  The wings have been enamelled with blue and decorated with some very small beads.  There is a hook as an attachment which could be used to turn it into a pendant - very carefully.  The butterfly is a little over 1 3/4 inches across and the entire piece is 6 1/2 inches tall.  It has used a number of types of workmanship to create a very attractive piece.   $285.US.
  CH888.   This strand of antique hammered beads was brought out of Tibet.  I haven't checked the silver content (can't find my tester) but the beads have a good silver colour.  The strand is 22 inches long, the beads are on a thick cord and tied tightly so that if it fits, you can slip it over your head.   $135.US.   (sold)
   CH618.   I have three old Dong bracelets here.  They are similar but each has its own character.  The bracelets were made from sheets of flat silver which has been hammered with a high decoration from behind, then wrapped around something and hammered into shape.  There is a lot of work involved in making these including the perfection of the shapes and the annealing that has to happen with the hammering to keep the silver from breaking.  A similar one is shown on page 247 of "A World of Bracelets".  Bracelet #1 is 2 3/8 by 11/2 inches on the inside and weighs 38.5 grams -  $96.   Bracelet #2 is 2 1/8 by 1 7/8 inches across on the inside and weighs 66.4 grams -  $166.US.   Bracelet #3 is 2 1/4 by 1 1/2 inches across on the inside and weighs 52.4 grams -  $130.US.    (#2 is available, #1 & #3 are sold)
   CH622.   These are two Miao containers made of good silver.  They have three sections to them so that they can be used for storage.  I think it is for lime or betal nut, but you can choose to store what you wish.   #1 is newly made and 6 3/4 inches tall including the dangles -  $110.US.  #2 is an antique piece, 6 1/2 inches tall with dangles - $200.US.   (#1 is available, #2 is sold)
   CH626.   This delicate antique good silver Chinese tool kit is 14 inches tall.  Each part of this is carefully and gracefully made.  There are two tools hanging from it - once there were three.  There is one hoop left to hold something else in the middle but it is not strong so if you are to hang something there it should be quite light weight.  This is 19th century and very attractive.   $240.US.
   CH640.   These are 22 to 24 inch long strands of Indo-Pacific bead strands - hundreds of years old, perhaps a thousand...  These were used all over Southeast Asia for constructing necklaces.  If you see the preview window at 1 1/4 inches tall, then you will see them close to life-size.   $36.US/each strand  
   CH645.   I have two strands of beads here which were bought in Thailand.  Strand #1 has 4 full length strands, each measuring  36 inches long.  2 short strands are attached as well.  The patterns of red and pale grey beads look great and are accented with blues and greens.  Some odd little beads are hidden here and there.  $185.US.   Strand #2  is made up of 3 strands, each measuring  32 inches long.  The colours are rich and brilliant together.  $165.US.   (#1 is available, #2 is sold)
  CH649.   There are three strands of beads and bells from the Chin people of Southeast Asia.  The strands were tied together for wear but were easy to un-knot to sell separately as they are quite heavy.   Strand #1 is  26 inches long - $225.US.   Strand #2 is 18 inches long - $200.US.   Strand #3 is  23 inches long - $230.US.    (#1 & #2 are available, #3 is sold)
  CH652.   Here is a second substantial antique silver tool kit from the Hmong or Shan people - bought in Rangoon, Burma.  It weighs a little over 250 grams, hangs from a 21 inch long chain with a clasp on it so that it can be worn as a necklace.  The pendant itself is quite ornate and 9 1/4 inches long.  It has the magical fish hanging within it.  The dangles are elaborate hiding tools in-between.  The decorative work is the same on both sides.  It is more and more difficult to find such attractive tool kits.   $650.US.    (sold)
  CH654.   There are more than 40 inches of beads on this strand, consisting of carnelian, glass and silver.  I love the two spotted beads and the pendant which is a piece of horn.  I don't know of what animal, just that it has a great colour and texture and must have been found in the forests after the animal shed it.  $355.US.
  CH662.   I have three silver antique Chinese rings illustrated here (slightly enlarged in size) - the first two are hallmarked.  The second and third are foolishly upside-down.  The rings are made to be adjustible as many  Chinese rings are - but because these are old the silver will not bend easily so it is best not to try to adjust them but accept the sizes as they are.  Ring #1 with the floral/star pattern is a size 8 - $40.US.   Ring #2 has a butterfly pattern on it and is a size 9 - $40.US.   Ring #3 has a plump fish on it.  Size 9 - $40.US.   
  CH663.     These two enameled Chinese antique rings are both hallmarked.  They are enamelled with beautiful designs as well - shown here in a slightly enlarged size.  The rings are typically made with adjustible backs but since they are so old, I would not recommend trying to adjust them very much.  Silver does get less supple over time.  Ring #1 has a flower on it.  The blue is not quite as bright as the photo shows.  The ring is a size 7.5 - $50.US.   Ring #2 has a tiny butterfly on leaves set in a geometric shape.  It is a size 7.5 - $45.US.    (#2 is available)
  CH665.   This is a ready to wear strand of dyed coral beads from China.  The natural colour of the coral is white or pale pink but this shade of red is very realistic.  The strand is 16 inches long and the beads decide which way they want to sit in.  It is very attractive and looks great with jeans and t-shirt as well as with dressy clothes...  $250.US.
  CH667.   This is an antique low end silver bracelet bought  in South East Asia.  It is 1 5/16 inches tall and can be easily (carefully) shaped to fit to the wrist.  This is for an average wrist size - not a small one.   $45.US.
  CH669.   Theses pieces are from various parts of Laos.  Pendant #1 has a 3 3/4 inch long chain with a 1 3/8 inch long fish.   $30.US.   Pendant #2 is a 2 1/2 inch long set of tweezers.  The entire piece is 5 1/4 inches long.   $42.US.   Pendant #3 is 5 1/4 inches long.  The silver case opens from the side so that something precious can be tucked inside.  It has patterns of branches and flowers decorating it.  The heart shaped box is 7/8 inches tall and just under 1 inch at the widest.   $48.US.   Pendant #4 is also a chain with a heart shaped box.  The entire piece is 3 3/4 inches long, and the box is 7/8 inch thick and 14/16 inches across.  It opens from the side as well.   $40.US.   Pendant #6 is a 16 1/4 inch long piece with a chain for suspension, a 19th century 20 cent coin from the Republique Francaise, and a grooming kit below.   $158.US.   (#2 & #6 are available)
  CH670.   There are three silver chained pendant pieces here.  #1 is an elaborate silver piece composed of many parts.  Two chains hang from a ring 1 1/8 inch in diameter.  One seven inch chain suspends a box an inch across and just under 7/8 inch tall when closed.  Something secret can be hidden in the box.  An 8 3/4 inch long chain suspends a curlique which holds two chains.  Those chains attache to a panel with floral decorations on it.  It looks rather like a vase full of flowers.  From that a grooming kit falls.  The entire piece hangs 22 inches long from the ring at the top.  This was bought in southern Laos and is possibly a Yao piece.  $425.US.   #2 is a coin pendant with a grooming kit attached to it.  The chain is 23 inches around and can be slipped over the average head.  The coin is from the Republique Francaise 1922 and is noted for weighing 27 grams.  The pendant plus grooming kit is 6 inches long.   $310.US.   #3 is a pair of hooks attached with a set of 3 chains.  They could work well suspending a pendant that has some kinds of loops on it, like a good sized spirit lock.  The chains are 24 inches long and the decorative parts of the hooks are 2 1/4 inches long.   $255.US.   (#1 & #2 are available, #3 is sold)
  CH671.   This three dimensional silver fish is a real charmer bought in southern Laos and most likely from the Yao people.  It is nicely decorated but the patterns have been softened by wear and have caused it to imply the blur of a living creature swimming under water.  The fish is just under 2 3/4 inches across.  The fish is attached to a double chain which is fastened on each side to jump rings just under 7/8 inch across.  The chains measure 9 3/4 inches on each side adding up to 19 1/2 inches total.  If you would like to fasten the rings together as in a necklace ask me to include a silver jump ring to make that connection.  A grooming kit hangs from the fish.  Over the years three jump rings above the fish have been worn though and have been replaced with string.  It wouldn't be difficult to change the string back to silver rings.  This would make a very charming necklace.   $385.US.
  CH676.   These Hmong spirit locks were collected in local markets in southern Laos.  These are generally suspended from torques but we generally prefer to attach them to chains or cords.  The torques are often sold separately at high collectors prices as they are generally heavy with silver.  With the interesting clothing and layers of colours in Laos complicated arrangements of torques and chains and multiple spirit locks looks wonderful and are worn on special occasions.  Here the simplicity of a single spirit lock and its chain or cord seems more appropriate.   Spirit lock #1 is 3 5/8 inches wide and has widespread "arms" to give it grace.  The pattern is simple and attractive.   $200.US.   Spirit lock #2 is very worn smooth especially on the arms.  There are indents where the silver jump rings were and and rubbed against the silver to make a space for themselves.  The lock is 3 3/4 inches across with a simple pattern that has a modern as well as a traditional look.  $225.US.   Spirit lock #3 has a wide and substantial look to it.  It is nicely smoothed from rubbing it for good fortune.  There is a softness to the wear and a little extra smoothing where the suspension rings were.   $235.US.   Lock # 4 is 3 1/5 inches across.  It has a slightly quirky look to it as each side is a little different from the other.  It is deeply carved and very attractive.   $180.US.   Spirit lock #5 is the smallest of this group.  It measures 3 1/8 inches across and has an attractive delicacy to it.   $150.US.   Spirit lock #6 has the jump rings remaining on it to make it easier to string up.  The lock is 3 1/2 inches across and lightly punched with a detailed design.  It has been lightly smoothed from hanging and touching...  $220.US.   #2, #4 & #6 are sold, #1, #3 & #5 are still available)
  CH677.   Spirit lock #1 is 3 3/4 inches across at the widest.  It still has old rings on it for hanging from so it would be easy to slip on a chain and shut the spring rings shut.  The design on this piece is delicate with complex and tiny patterns.  $345.US.   Spirit lock #2 is 3 5/8 inches across and has double rings on each side.  It is not quite as old as the rest of the group.   $285.US.   Spirit lock #3 is over 50 yrs old and has nice wear on the "handles" from where it had been hung.  The lock is just over 3 3/8 inches wide.   $205.US.   Spirit lock #4 is just under 4 1/4 inches across.  It is very well worn where the chains had been for hanging it and shows its age very nicely.  The pattern at the front is smoothed from being touched over time so that it feels very calm.   $298.US.    Spirit lock #5 has large arms which open like clouds over the rectangular part.  All is nicely smoothed from being touched over time, and there is some nice wear where it was strung up before.   $240.US.   Spirit lock #6 is 3 3/8 inches across.  It is deeply patterned with a strong texture to it.  It is quite dark from tarnish and can be rubbed to bring up a gleam.  $235.US.   (#2, #3, #4, #5 & #6 are sold, #1 is available)
  CH685.   What wonderful rings!!  The rings themselves are new and made from sterling silver - the dragons on the rings though, are antique Burmese opium weights.  This is a great combination.  The smaller ring, #1 is 1 1/2 inches tall and a size 8.  $150.US.   The larger ring is 1 7/8 inches tall and a size 9.  $165.US.   (#1 is sold, #2 is available)
  CH691.   I have always liked needle cases of all kinds.  These Chinese silver ones are my favourites though.  I love the way that the holder pieces slide out of the decorative cases.  Strings go through the top of one side, and through the bottom of the same side, then some have beads or a pendant hanging at the bottom and the string continues up the other side from bottom to top.  This string keeps the bottom from falling out.  When you want to reach for a needle (or whatever else you might have hidden in there) then you loosen the hanging cord and pull the pieces apart.  These could be parts of a necklace or strung up to hang from a waistband like in the old days.  Please check page26 to 29 in "Four Centuries of Silver".  They are all more attractive than they appear in the photo.   Case #1 is 3 1/4 inches long.  $115.US.   Case #2 is 3 inches long and has a signature on the inside piece.  $145.US.   #3 is 2 7/8 inches long and it has a signature on the inside piece.  $145.US.   #4 is 3 1/5 inches long.  $115.US.   (#4 is available,  all others are sold)
  CH699.   This is an iron age shell bead from Khmer.  Much has been unearthed over the years.  The bead has a soft looking finish to it, although it is not soft at all.  You can see the long curves of the patterns of the shell on the outside of the bead.  It is 2 7/8 inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter.   $95.US.
  CH703.   This grooming set is set up to wind around the waist (it would need a clasp though as a round hoop keeps it shut) but can easily be used as a necklace as it can slip over one's head.   The suspension chain is 26 inches long.  The coin pendant is 1 5/8 inch across and from Indochine Francaise/Republique Francaise 1888.  The coin, chains and tools are 6 inches in length.  The piece has darkened nicely but can be rubbed a little to bring up the gleam.  This is very attractive.   $355.US.
  CH705.   This is a great dangle coming from Laos.  It jingles quite a lot if you move it at all as there are so many different parts.  The entire piece is 7 1/2 inches long and it has a very sturdy solid hook for hanging.  By adding a silver hoop here and there it could be manipulated into being a bracelet - it just takes a little imagination to change things.   $145.US.
  CH711.   This is an antique well used silver lime container bought in northeast Laos near Xam Nua.  It has a typical areca nut shaped lid and still has a coating of white lime inside.  The lime is used while chewing betel leaves and areca nuts which is a tradition in Loas, Vietnam and other parts.  The piece is 5 inches tall when closed and the base is 1 1/4 inches in diameter.  A string ties the two parts together so that the hands are free to roll the leaf up, and perhaps wrap it around the nut.   $320.US.
  CH714.   This is a piece in transition.  There is a 13 inch long chain above the fish and three 10 1/2 inch long chains below.  The fish inbetween measures1 3/4 inches across from mouth to tail.  This was collected in northwest Laos (Muang Sing area) from a local landowner.  It would originally have been from a larger piece.  It totals 25 inches in length.   $320.US. 
  CH715.   Container #1 - $95.US.   Container #2 - $115.US.   (both are now sold)
  CH716.   Container #1 - $165.US.   Container #2 - $165.US   
  CH717.   I have a series of beads strung up to around 30 inches or so.  There are fine tubulars, twisted tubulars, ones with light facets - as well as the round beads sometimes matching and sometimes contrasting.  I believe they are made in China with the tubulars being very similar to antique European ones.  The tubular beads average 3 inches in length.  $45.US/strand   (#1 & #6 are sold)
  CH718.    I have a series of beads strung up to around 30 inches or so.  There are fine tubulars, twisted tubulars, ones with light facets - as well as the round beads sometimes matching and sometimes contrasting.  I believe they are made in China with the tubulars being very similar to antique European ones.  The tubular beads average 3 inches in length.  $45.US/strand   (#1 & #4 are sold, #2, #3 & #5 are available)
  CH719.   I have some 16 inch long strands of new turquoise beads from China here.  They are nicely graduated and will be interesting to work with.  They remind me of Southwestern turquoise strands.  The fattest beads on the strand are about 7/16 inch in diameter.  The smallest are just under 3/16 inch in diameter.   $65.US/each strand.   (there is just one strand remaining)
   CH722.   There are two items here, a pair of silver chopsticks which are chained together, and a hair pin.  The chopsticks are made of solid silver cut in a rectangular shape.  They are 8 1/4 inches long with attractive hammered patterns on them.  These are antique pieces.   $128.US.   The hair pin is a hollow silver piece finely decorated with silver wire at the top and hung with two small dangles.  The hair pin is 8 1/8 inches long.   $56.US.      (hair pin is sold, chopsticks are available)
  CH731.  Here is a simple, direct bell bracelet.  It needs a very flat wrist for wearing and works easily gripped while dancing in the tradition of Timor.  You can see similar pieces on pages 196/197 of "A World of Bracelets".  The bracelet is 2 3/4 inches wide on the inside, and 1 1/4 inch at the tallest.  The opening is just under 1 inch wide.  The bell has a diameter of 1 1/4 inches.   $185.US.   
  CH735.   I have always liked Tibetan rings but have been inconsistent and put another one on the EAST page.  This antique ring is large but when the dealer acquired it the ring band had cord wound round and round the back of it to bring it to the correct size of the wearer.  He removed it but the new wearer can resize it in the traditional way.  It is a size 13 or so at the moment.  I wouldn't try altering the shape of the silver at the back to make it smaller as silver becomes breakable after years of changing it.  A good and experience jeweller might be able to safely do it but I wouldn't try otherwise.  The ring has a natural deeply coloured coral bead set on its side as the cabochon.  It measures an inch from top to bottom in the photo.   $195.US.    (sold)
  CH741.   This is an unusual antique enamelled silver ring from Northern Laos - very charming and very rare.  I have little documentation on these, but if you check page 160 of "a World of Rings" you will see a Mien Yao ring with similar enamelling..  I have enlarged images so that you can have a good look at the workmanship.  This is the first ring that I have had that didn't just have decoration but a word on it - "HONE".  The enamelling is dark yellow and dark blue with only a little remaining.  The ring is a size 7.5.   $185.US.
  CH742.   This is a very nicely shaped antique Jatim bead from Indonesia - NOT a reproduction.  It is just short of 7/8 inch across (22mm) with a fairly consistent pattern winding around it.  You can see its details in the enlargement.   $150.US.    
  CH748.   This came as one strand but because of the cost and the size of the beads I divided it into two.  You can see some like these on page 334 of "A World of Necklaces".  The description is as follows:   "Indonesia, Java - Glass paste beads from archaeological sites (ninth-twelfth centuries)."  In "Collectible Beads" Robert Liu says, in speaking of Indonesia "This large archipelago has not only ancient glass beads that are intriguing as to origins and methods of manufacture, but also heirloom beads of varied ages and origins..."  Strand #1 is 19 1/2 inches long with the largest bead being 3/4 inch in diameter.   $350.US.   Strand #2 is 19 inches long with the largest bead being 3/4 inch in diameter.   $350.US.
  CH759.   This group of good silver pieces are Chinese ornaments that were used on clothing, hats, shoes, etc.  They have various meanings of health, strength, protection, etc.  The fish of pair #1 are 1 1/4 inches across.  $55.US/pair.   The pair of lions in #2 are 1 1/5 inches across.  $60.US.   The pair of foo dogs in #3 are 1 3/8 inches across and have loops attached.  $60.US.   The lion in #4 is 1 5/8 inches across.  $35.US.   The lion in #5 is a little over 1 1/4 inches across.  $30.US.   The lion in #6 is 1 3/4 inches across with a loop attached.  $35.US.   The caterpillar on the leaf of #7 is 2 1/2 inches long.  $40.US.   The lion in #8 is just under 1 1/4 inches across.  $30.US.   #3 & #5 are available, the rest are sold)
  CH760.   There is a variety of different silver pieces here from China.  The baby in #1 is 3 dimensional so he has a front and a back.  He is 1 1/2 inches tall, with chain the dangle is 3 1/4 inches long.   #2 is a very 3-dimensional frog with two hanging loops.  The texture on it is quite wonderful.  The piece is 1 3/4 inches wide.  $45.US.   #3 is a 3-dimensional pair of lotus blossoms 1 inch across.  $25.US.   #4 is a large lotus blossom pendant the same on both sides.  It has pieces inside to make it into a noisy bell.  $35.US.   #5 is a 3-dimensional boy.  The piece with chain is 2 3/4 inches long.   #6 is a pair of boys (twins) each one is 1 inch tall.  $40.US/pair.   #7 is a pair of lion hooks.  They are 1 3/8 inches across.  $60.US/pair.   (#6 is available, the rest are sold)
  CH761.   This is a very attractive silver tool kit which most definitely could use some cleaning.  The silver is quite tarnished.  The entire piece is 16 1/2 inches long and the butterfly at the top is 2 1/8 inches across.  This piece is well over 100 years old and has some excellent work on it.  The flat tools are covered with engraving, and the tools at the bottom have a spiral wrap of silver around the handle part.  The scoop of the middle tool is covered with engraving.  This is a very special piece.   $275.US.
  CH768.   Here is a range of colours of very beautiful silk shawls hand woven in Thailand.  Old traditions are being used in a women's cooperative to create a contemporary styled shawl that goes well with modern clothing.  The silks are grown locally and the dye methods are experimented with to try new ideas.  I fell immediately in love with these and have no idea which colour combination I like the best.  The shawls average 70 by 16 1/2 inches.   $35.US/each
  CH772.   These earrings are made of decorative buttons or pendants from China.  Some have enamelling on them, and some are simply silver, and all are 100+ years old.  Earrings #1 are shaped like flower buds and their bottoms still have some enamelled blue on them.  1 1/8 inches tall.  $35.US.   Earrings #2 look like lotus buds, they have leaves with 5 small holes around the top, point nicely at the bottom and have writing on them.  $35.US.   Earrings #3 have very perfect silver buds with a lot of detail.  It will show better once they have been polished a little.  $40.US.   Earrings #4 are very detailed and come in two parts joined together.  The lower part is an enamelled blue lotus bud and the top part is either leaves or a moth like creature.  1 15/16 inches tall.   $65.US.   Earrings #5 are flower/lotus buds enamelled in two shades of blue.  Some areas are a little blackened.  1 5/16 inches tall.  $50.US.   The pendant is made the same way as earrings #3.  The top part can be facing this way or upside down.  It is just under 1 inch tall and has a large hidden loop behind which can hold a coin or a chain.  $45.US.   (#4 is sold, the others are available)
  CH774.   These are great antique glass beads made in China but bought in Nagaland where they have been worn for many years.  There are 7 strands bound together with larger beads at front and back - the strands each measure about 30 inches around.  That is a lot of beads, made into a wearable necklace.  The individual beads are about 3/16 inch in diameter.   The necklace is  $155.US.
  CH776.   The Chinese always do lovely work with silver.  Bracelets like this require a lot of hammering.  Annealing and hammering, many times over.  The bracelet has very typical patterns on it, and small pieces of metal inside for a very light, delicate, rattling noise when moving.  The inside of the bracelet is 2 1/2 by 1 7/8 inches across, made for a wrist that is not smaller than 7 inches around.  The opening is 1 5/16 inches open.   $165.US.
  CH778.   These two Chinese silver buttons or cuff links are antique, beautifully made, heavy and attractive.  They are two different sizes but I like the contrast and the similarites between the two.  The smaller square is just over 7/8 inches across with the figures of two men hammered into it.  The larger one is 1 1/16 inch across and has two slightly different looking men on it.  All of the handwork is very well done.  The pieces close with a bell on a short chain.  These are very unusual and could be used in many different ways.   $135.US/for the pair
  CH794.   Here is a group of amulets bought in the amulet market in Bangkok, Thailand.  They are made of copper with writing traced from one end to the other.  A rope goes through them for suspension.  These are of the same type as the pre Buddhist good luck charms.  They generally have a rolled up prayer inside.   The copper sections average 3 inches in length.    $28.US/each   (#1 - #4 are all available)
  CH795.   These two pendants are made with silver and gilded with gold.  They were originally the pieces illustrating Immortals sewn onto hats or clothing but had rings added to the tops of their heads and were transformed into rather ornate pendants.   #1 is 3 1/2 inches tall and features a pale carnelian beads.  I believe it shows Chang Kuo-Lao, the old man riding the donkey.  You can check his history here.   $145.US.    The second immortal is much more difficult for me to identify.  I am guessing that it is Lan Caihe who made music.  His description is here. This pendant is 3 inches long.  $85.US.
  CH808.   This hanging piece is 14 inches long and has a number of components to it.  It has 3 connecting pieces that dangles hang from.  This is an antique silver piece  that has been worn quite a lot as you can see wear on the loops and on the dangles.  It is off balance right now (one dangle is missing) but the pieces can be moved around to balance it out, or an extra piece can be added.  Even hanging in a house where there is a little bit of breeze the piece makes gentle, light, tinkling sounds.  Of course it was meant originally to be worn, and can still carefully continue that tradition.  I actually like the idea of having a very short necklace so that it begins hanging from the base of the neck.   $245.US.
  CH809.   Here is a very useful antique silver chain from China, as each "coin" has a hook behind it.  It would normally be hooked onto a pendant, lock or amulet.  These have become very difficult to find.  The coins are a little over 7/8 inches across and the chain is 18 inches long when doubled, 32 inches all around.  $245.US.
  CH811.   These are antique dark midnight blue glass beads bought in Thailand.  They are the colour of lapis lazuli but catch the light like only glass can.  The strand is 26 inches long and the beads are 20 inches of that.   $45.US.
  CH812.   There are 18 1/2 inches of beautifully graduated Mizoram carnelian beads on this strand.  At the front are two spotted glass Venetian trade beads.  There are some beautiful Pacific glass trade beads at the end of the strand.  These came from Myanmar/Burma.   $210.US.
  CH813.   This is a group of glass beads that were used as a substitute for coral in the Tibetan region.  The rounder ones are more red than in the photo, and are known as "sherpa coral".  The more tubular ones have an orange shade to them.  The strand is 9 inches long.  I would love to see it combined with silver.   $75.US.   (sold)f
  CH814.  This necklace has four strands of antique red whitehearts.  The three longer strands have 32 inches of whitehearts each.  The shorter strand has 30 inches.  The entire necklace is 36 inches around.  It came out of Nagaland and is wearable as is - I would double check the strength of the cords and the knots though just to be sure.    $175.US.
  CH818.   21 inches of antique green beads from southeast Asia.  They need some research.   $225.US.
  CH821.   This necklace is 14 1/2 inches long.  It is a great combination of various shades of antique wound blue beads along with fat red whitehearts.  The four strand necklace closes with a loop and a bead working like a button.  It would be best off with a re-stringing if it is going to be worn.   $95.US.   (sold)
  CH829.   This is a very interesting antique Chinese porcelain figure, with stringing holes in the back.  It needs research for further description.  The figure is 2 3/4 inches tall.   $325.US.
  CH832.   Chinese rings stamped from silver are among my favourites.  Their grace and delicacy...  These are all from the late 1800s.  When they were made they could be adjusted to size, but now that the silver is old, it is more brittle and you cannot change the size anymore.  Ring #1 is a size 7.  $115.US.   Ring #2 is a size 8.  $95.US.   Ring #3 is a size 9.  $95.US.   (ring #1 is sold)
  CH835.   I confuse my Naga material at times and wind up putting some pieces on the "East" page and others on the "Southeast Asia" page.  I need to clarify my mental map.  If you are interested in Naga pieces though, please do check both pages.  This is an old Naga shell ornament that would have been part of a necklace.  They often made very heavy pieces using conch shell in many different ways.  You can see a number of examples in various books - a specialized one being "the Nagas:  Hill Peoples of Northeast India".  This piece is 1 1/3 inches tall and 1 1/2 inches at the widest.   - $65.US.
  CH836.   The decoration of shells determines the Naga tribe that made and wore them.  These are generally called conch shell but Robert Liu in "Collectible Beads" says "chank is a Turbinella species, not a conch."  The proper term for these is Naga chank shell pendant.  Necklaces would often hold a group of these pieces and weigh quite a lot - these are all antique pieces which have had a long life of use.  Shell #1 has four suspension holes in the top section.  It is 4 1/2 inches long.  $95.US.   Shell #2 is very impressive with its carved in design.  The shell has a fold along the top of the inside and there are 3 suspension holes in a row.  This is 5 inches tall and very collectible.  $175.US.   (#1 is sold)
  CH837.   This antique Naga shell pendant is very nicely worn.  Shell develops such a softness to colour and touch that it enters another world.  I think that I photographed this upside down from how it would have been used.  There is one stringing hole at the top in the photo, with a second one having been worn through.  At the bottom part in the photo (which should have been the top) the shell folds over and on that fold are 2 stringing holes.  There had been a center stringing hole as well but it has worn through.  This can be hung both beautifully and dramatically.   - $75.US.
  CH838.   There are three antique Naga shell pendants shown here.   Shell #1has some lines carved into it for decoration.  It has 3 stringing holes going down the middle of the piece.  The shell behind has not been cut away so cord can go through it as well.  The shell is 2 3/8 inches tall.  - $75.US.   Shell #2 is 3 3/4 inches tall and has 3 stringing holes going through the front.  On the back on a piece of shell that folds behind at the top, are 3 more stringing holes.  $75.US.   Shell #3 is 4 1/4 inches tall.  It has the 3 stringing holes that you can see in the photo.  $75.US.   (#1 is sold, the others are available)
  CH839.    This antique silver Yao bracelet came from Thailand or Laos - the area of the Golden Triangle.  This type of bracelet is said to have been worn by shamans.  According to "the World of Bracelets" (a book that is worth buying) "Centuries ago the Yao borrowed the dragon design from the Yunnan, but stylized and flattened it.  They evoke the primordial ancestor Panhu, a dragon-dog man.  The bracelet is 2 1/2 inches by 1 3/4 inches across on the inside and the opening is 1 3/8 inches wide.  It would work best on a flat wrist about 2 1/2 inches wide.    $440.US.   (sold)
  CH840.   Antique silver bracelet.   $320.US.   
  CH842.   This is a lovely antique spirit lock.  I have images of both sides here so that you can see how the decorative hammering looks on the back.  Interestingly the silver is the thickest at the hanging arms and narrows down like the blade of a knife to the lower corners.  This is a very interesting shape and was brought out of Laos.  The piece is 3 1/2 inches tall, and 3 inches at the widest.   $285.US.
  CH844.   Here is a very attractively coloured strand of beads brought out from Nagaland.  It is 33 inches long, made of yellow and brick coloured trade beads as well as some transparent Chinese wound beads.  I was thinking that it could wrap around my wrist four times and make a great bracelet.   $110.US.   (sold)
  CH847.  Here is a gorgeous more delicate silver Chinese dragon bracelet with delicate patterning.  The bracelet thickens gracefully towards the dragon heads.  The bracelet is 2 1/4 by 2 1/2 inches across on the inside.  The opening is 3/8 inch across but the bracelet twists a little to help to put it on.   $175.US.
  CH848.   Here is a sturdier and thicker silver Chinese dragon bracelet.  It is 2 1/8 by 2 3/8 inches across on the inside.  The narrowest part of the opening is 7/8 inch across.  The tube of the bracelet is slightly over 5/8 inch across.   $175.US.
  CH849.   This decorated silver bracelet from China is 1 3/4 inches by 2 1/8 inches across on the inside.   The opening is 1 inch across.   $175.US.
  CH850.   This is a very decorative antique Chinese bracelet.  The patterns are soldered onto a frame made of circles soldered together on the inside and outer frame.  The inner part of the bracelet averages 2 3/8 inches in diameter.  The bracelet is slightly over 1/2 inch tall.  You need to be able to slip this over your hand.    $170.US.
  CH851.  This is a silver needle case without the covering.  A unique one could be made though from woven seed beads or an innovative wrapping.  From the top of the pendant to the bottom of the dangles it measures 4 5/8 inches long.   $30.US.   (sold)
  CH852.   $30.US for the pair of tools - just under 3 inches long.   (sold)
  CH854.   Unmatched Meo earrings used by Hmong women from the Golden Triangle.  The shapes are always fascinating.    $45.US.
  CH855.   Unmatched Meo earrings used by Hmong women from the Golden Triangle.  The shapes are always fascinating.   $72.US.
  CH856.   Unmatched Meo earrings used by Hmong women from the Golden Triangle.  The shapes are always fascinating.   $95.US.
  CH779.   I wish that I could take better photographs of these ancient banded agate beads as they are much more attractive than they appear in this photo.  I do like it that customers often say "the beads were even better than I thought", but would truly be happier if they really could be seen as beautiful as they are.  These beads came from a private collection in Thailand, and were acquired in Cambodia many years ago.  I believe that these are known as Dong Son beads from a culture crossing the border between Cambodia and Vietnam.  The beads were most likely originally carved in India BC700 to 200AD and traded across the continent.   #1 is coloured in thirds with the two outside sections almost transparent so that you can easily see the drilling holes.  The central part is creamy with scribbles of yellow (not quite as bright as the photo shows but more subtle).  It reminds me of the patterning of a chung dzi.  The bead is 1 5/8 inches long and 3/8 inch in diameter.  $280.US.    #2  This bead is a pale tobacco colour with two white stripes circling around it.  The patterning is full of grace.  The bead is slightly over 1 5/8 inches long and 3/8 inches in diameter.  $170.US.   #3 is drastically different in colour from one half to the other, a transuscent caramel to one side (with a clear, colourless cap at the top) of the white line and dark brown/almost black on the other.   $220.US.   #4 is divided by a white stripe as well.  One side is a dark brown and the other a bright caramel shifting into an orangey tone at the end of the bead.  Again, it has a bit of the look of a chung dzi with that distinctive stripe circling it.  The bead is 1 11/16 inches long and a little under 1/2 inch in diameter.  $250.US.   #5 is a shorter squater bead measuring just under 1 3/8 inches in length and 5/8 inch in diameter.  The bead is decorated with swirls of a warm cream colour and white.  It has quite a few ancient chips (softened ones).  It must have been worn a lot in years gone by.  When you hold the bead up to the light you can easily see the stringing hole across it.  $170.US.   (#3 is sold)
  CH780.    This group of ancient banded agates also came from the Thai collection mentioned above.  They were bought in Cambodia and I believe these are known as Don Son beads from a culture that existed in both Vietnam and Cambodia.  The beads were most likely carved in India BC700 to 200AD and traced across the continent.  Again, they are more attractive and dramatic in real life than in this photo.  Stone was looked at very carefully so that the carver could make the most advantage of the colouring.  Stripes around the beads were among the most valuable.  This group of beads is all carved so that the middle part is thicker than the ends so that they have a graceful curve to them.    #1 is a small but beautiful bead, a deep rich brown/black with a white ring around it.  If you hold the bead against the light a caramel stripe appears next to the white.  The bead is 1 1/8 inches long and 3/8 inch at the widest.  $110.US.   #2 is a magnificent bead, 2 5/8 inches long with the widest diameter being 3/8 inch and the diameter at the ends of the bead being 1/4 inch.  The stripe divides the bead in two with one side being an opaque dark brown/black and the other side being a dark caramel.  When you hold the bead to the light a section of that brightens up and you can easily see the drilling hole through it.  $440.US.   #3 doesn't look quite as old as the others.  I suspect it is hundreds of years old, not over a thousand.  It is very attractive though with caramel being the most popular colour in it.  The fine lines of swirls of colours of the stone are very attractive.  The bead is 1 3/4 inches long and the widest part is slightly over 3/8 inch across.  $85.US.   #4 is stripe after stripe after stripe around and around.  At one side the colours are dark brown and cream, and at the other end the colours are various shades of caramel with much of it transparent/transluscent so that you can see where the drill holes from each side meet each other.  The double white line wiggles around the bead.  This bead is slightly under 1 1/2 inches long and slightly over 3/8 inch thick at the middle.   $190.US.    (all are now sold)
  CH781.   This is an interesting bunch of carnelian and quartz beads from China - most of which I think, were made to be buttons carved so that the round part is what is pushed through the buttonhole and the small section with the hole through it fastens the buttoms to the garment.  14 of these beads were made like that leaving 3 crystal beads as simply round.  The longest of these beads is 3/4 inch from one end to the other.  These are very unusual and sold as a group.   $330.US.
  CH785.   There are four spirit locks show here.   The spirit locks were used by the Hmong in their "soul calling" ceremonies to "lock" the soul of the wearer into his or her own body.  They are worn by children, women and men for all of their lives.  Their shapes somehow express their meanings with large patterned areas and delicate swirls above.  These are among my favourite of all objects, and when I am feeling a little ill at ease, or lacking in direction or motivation, I wear a spirit lock myself and feel somehow aided and protected.  My chosen locks will be with me forever.  A thing of spirit is a good thing.  The locks can be worn with a variety of chains or a cord depending on what suits them the most.  The same types of styles work for men too.  These locks came from a jewellers shop and have not been worn yet, so the buyer will be the first to set their magic into motion.  Spirit lock #1 is 3 1/4 inches wide with rings included to attach a chain or cord to.    Spirit lock #2 is 3 1/8 inches wide.    Spirit lock #3 is 3 5/8 inches wide  $300.US.     Spirit lock #4 is 3 1/8 inches wide and includes four rings for hanging with.   (#3 is available, the others are sold)
  CH786.   Here is an antique Chinese tool kit.  They are often sold as "opium tools" to create a mystique for them and raise the price.  They are actually used for make-up though, or cleaning ones ears or nostrils, or cleaning ones fingernails.  They are attractive and practical and often hang from a belt or a chain.  This piece is 6 1/2 inches long and contains 3 tools.  The suspension piece for the tools is hammered (the same on both sides) with images of two fish facing each other with some decorative work inbetween.  With the chain attached above, it is ready to hang.   $125.US.
  CH787.   This antique Chinese silver ring has been worn for a long time so that the original enameling on it has largely been worn down.  There is still a little touch of turquoise blue on it as you can see on the enlargement.  As usual, this ring was originally fitted to the owner.  They were made with practicality so that when bought the band could be squeezed to the correct size.  Now that it is old though, the silver is hardened and you can't try to change it too much.  The ring is a size 9.  I am not sure of what the image on the ring represents...   $35.US.
   CH570.   This is a very attractive sterling silver ring from the Philipines - it says on the coin "twenty centavos Filipinas" and has a portrait of a standing woman with a hammer laying against an anvil, with a smoking mountain in the background.  The other side is difficult to read, but it looks like the coin was minted in 1944.  The back is gracefully made.  This is a size 7.   $45.US.
   CH572.   This silver bracelet for a young girl, or someone with a very very small hand.  It measures slightly over 1 3/4 inches in diameter in the inside.  The wearer's hand has to be able to slip in as the bracelet has been soldered so that it will not open and close.  It is put on like a bangle.   -  $35.US.  
   CH595.   Here are three strands of newish carnelian beads bought in the Myanmar area.  Strand #1 has 19 inches of beads.   $22.US.   Strand #2 has 17 inches of beads   $22.US.   Strand #3 has 20 inches of beads   $22.US.   (#1 & #2 are available, #3 is sold)
   CH598.   This chopper was bought in Burma.  It does not have a sharpened blade to it - the width of the curved piece is the same all along it, so it is not made for cutting, but perhaps for chopping.  It is built in the same way that an ulu (for Inuit people) is in the north.  The handle is brass and the "blade" is white metal (steel?).  The handle is 3 1/8 inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter.  The distance from the top of the handle to the bottom of the blade is 3 3/4 inches long.  Less than 50 yrs old.   $95.US.
   CH599.   This is a very beautiful antique (over 100 yrs old) tool bought in China.  It is made of brass and copper, and I can't tell what other metal.  The tool is 6 3/4 inches long and made in the same way that a decorative knife is made.  It is beautifully decorated with decorative openings through it.  The smaller openings have curves of brass decorating them.  The large opening is the rectangular one which is open on all four sides.  There is a little ball inside (I can't tell what it is made of) which moves around when you move the tool.  The working part of the tool is a curved scoop.  I was told that this is for opium but I don't know if that is true.  What I do know is that it is old, beautiful, and very nice to hold onto and look at.   $175.US.
   CH510.   This is a wondrous pipe from Japan.  I haven't had one before and was fascinated by this one.  The 8 inch long body is made of brass and silver.  The brass is hammered all over leaving interesting patterns laid into it.  Hammer marks, marks that look like grass growing, and little circles making me thing of water passing by.  In shaped silver is a tiger looking as if he is in a fighting mood, and behind him is a man wearing a kimono ready to challenge him.  It is very beautiful.  Between the two metal sections of the pipe is "wood" that looks like bamboo.  The metal pieces (be careful please) can be gently pulled off the bamboo so that it can be replaced when necessary.  This is a true collector's piece from an old collection of Asian items.  I am sure that it can be used, or can simply sit as a thing of beauty.   $575.US.    ON SALE    $500.US.
   CH515.   I was captivated by the gracefulness and traditional feeling of these brand new hangings...  The pendant portions average about 1 3/4 to 3 1/2 inches in height with the pieces being about 12 inches long from top of hanging loop to bottom of fringes.  These are all symbolically important, each bringing good wishes and safety in their own way.   $34.US/each    (all are sold)
   CH517.   Here are some slightly rough, new Japanese Tsubas (hand guards of swords).  These help to balance the weight of the swords as well as guard the bearer's hand from their opponent as well as from the sharpness of their own sword.  These are cast of iron in a variety of shapes and decorations.  Because they are so interesting in their design, they can be used as curious (and heavy) pendants.  The antique ones are very expensive as they are collected widely.  The new ones don't have the smoothness and gleam of the old, but are still interesting.  #3 is $55. the rest are $45.US. each.
   CH519.   I don't know what this silver tie clip is yet.  It is Japanese I believe, and portrays a man with wings tied to him by ropes.  He is flying over a bridge with a temple in the background.  There is writing on the back and the year 1985.  I would suppose that something significant happened then - perhaps some sort of festival, and that this is a memory of it.   The new owner will have research to do.  $28.US.   
   CH536.   These Chinese pieces are hammered silver, some for use as pendants and some for sewing onto fabric or laying against a piece of jewellery or whatever you could imagine.  They have really increased in price over the last few years, but I find them delightful and becoming more rare, and I think that very nice pieces of jewellery could be made with them as centerpieces.  #1 (1 7/8 inches tall) - $65.US.,    #2 - $65.US.,   #3 - $65.US.,   #4 - $70.US.,   #5 - $55.US.,   #6 - $50.US.,   #7 - $50.US.,   #8 - $70.US.,   #9 - $80.US.,   #10 - $55.US. (#3 & #7 are available)
   CH537.   These 19th century silver Chinese rings were made as souvenirs from the opera.  They are all carefully resizeable to a degree - generally a size or so in either direction.  The images on them referred to the specific operas that were attended when they were for sale.  They are true pieces of the history of creativity.  Ring #1 has a number of characters engraved onto it and is a size 10 and $185.US.   Ring #2 has a creature hammered into it which I think might be shishi the Chinese lion, it is a size 6 1/2 and $195.US.   Ring #3 also has a creature on it which might also be shishi, I am not sure  - - but these rings really do look great and sit great - I wear mine on my middle fingers and get zillions of compliments - - this one is a size 10 and $195.US.  See page 95 of "Four Centuries of Silver".   (all are sold)
   CH541.   Here is a pair of Chinese 19th century enamelled earrings - well they were not made as a pair but have wound up becoming one.  The two earrings are of the same style and manufacture, but have different designs decorating them.  One pair is slightly larger than the other too and the hooks go in the same directions.  They are very unusual, rare, and have an eclectic look to them.  The larger one is 2 1/2 inches across, and the smaller one is 2 3/8 inches across...  $290.US/pair
   CH545.   Northern Laos cloisonne enamelled silver bracelets - very charming and very rare.  I have little documentation on these, but if you check page 160 of "a World of Rings" you will see a Mien Yao ring with similar enamelling.  They have sat in a personal collection for many years.  Much of the enamelling is worn off, but you can still see the hints of the colours leaving a great and interesting texture.  Bracelet #1 is 2 1/4 inches by 1 5/8 inches on the inside with a 1 inch wide opening and bracelet #2 is 2 3/8 inches by 1 3/4 inches on the inside with a 1 5/16 inch wide opening.     $325.US/each bracelet
   CH546.   This is a new pair of bracelets, but made of good silver, graceful and attractive.  The bracelets measure 2 3/4 by 1 3/4 on the inside so will fit a medium to large sized wrist.  The opening is 1 1/8 inches wide.   The pair weighs 106 grams.   $245.US.
   CH549.   Here are two very attractive Peking glass beads.  strand #1 is about 15 inches long - it needs just a little more in the way of spacers or a few beads at the back to make a necklace.  The strand has a great variety of colours within it, and some collectible old beads from China - $175.US.   Strand #2 is 34 inches long with quite a few unusual dark reddish amber coloured glass beads on it.  Mixed with the other beads, there is a sense of age and richness.    - $300.US.    (both are sold)
   CH550.   There are two silver Chinese needle containers here, with Peking glass beads attached to them. - #1 is 3 1/8 inches long.  The bottom should slide out to hold the needles, but it seems to be sealed shut so is now simply a pendant. - $145.US.    (#2 is sold)
   CH552.   These two strands of beads came from Borneo where they are highly valued.  They were made hundreds of years ago and brought from China through the trade routes.   - Strand #1 is 19 1/2 inches long and beautiful blues and greens which would be great even strung just as they are.  - $375.US.   Strand #2 is just over 20 inches long with fat richly coloured beads with a nice old mustard yellow central bead at the bottom.  - $440.US.   (#1 is available,  #2 is sold)
   CH557.  This is an interesting collection of silver coins.  They are of the French republic, but on the side of the coin where it says "10 CENT", it also says "INDO-CHINE FRANCAISE".  The 29 coins date between 1922 and 1937 and measure 3/4 inch across.  The cord is tied in the back so you can knot it around your neck and wear it as is.   $250.US.
   CH345.  If you can't identify this silver container and tools from the Belu people of Timor, I will give you a clue.  It has to do with Betel nuts.  Hmmn.
Well, it is a container for powdered lime made from ground up limestone, a bit of which still exists inside the container and is used while chewing the nuts.  The betel nuts are chewed with lime and betel leaf producing a rather mild narcotic affect.  Unhappily the lime wears away at the teeth and causes the gums to change colour to a deep red.  Usually I see these containers made of natural materials, and it is wonderful to see one fashioned out of silver.  This would look great hanging from a very long and chunky chain perhaps with a bead or tow attached.  There are two tools, the longest being 4 1/2 inches in length.  The container itself is 3 3/4 inches long and 1 1/4 inch in diameter.  It is beautifully and delicately decorated with floral designs.  The cap of the container sits nicely and tightly and simply pulls off to open.  This is close to 100 years old and quite a collector's piece.  $385.US.
   CH346.  Here is an amazing pair of silver boxes bought in northeast Laos near Xam Nua.  I hadn't seen anything quite like this before but found a similar box and chain illustrated on page 133 of "Jewelry of Southeast Asia."  The hammered and engraved boxes have insides that slide open nicely, and stay shut securely.  The big fat rings they are attached to are fastened to double sided connectors which are fastened to a chain.  The chain is meant to connect the piece to the waistline of a woman.  In the book it says that this "...was suspended on a chain at the waist by Vietnamese women, early 20th century.  ...the silver boxes are for tobacco, lime and cosmetics decorated with repousse and engraving."   "The dragon is the most common motif on the heart-shaped container."  The larger box is 2 inches across and 1 1/8 inch tall.  The smaller box is 1 7/8 inch across and 1 inch tall and they are both decorated on all sides.  When hanging, they fall for 9 1/2 inches.     $420.US.  
   CH355.   This is a very good silver tool kit coming from Laos.  This hangs from an 8 1/2 inch length of doubled chain (17 inches total) to attach the kit to a belt.  Adding a clasp could easily turn this into a necklace.  The chains travel down to a highly decorated disc - the same on both sides.  From the disc hang tools as well as a good sized fish (for luck) and from the fish hang more items - two bells and a smaller decorated disc.  The smaller disc holds even more tools.  They look great showing their hammer marks and their bits of decorations.  The entire piece measures 20 inches long, and even looks wonderful when sitting laid out or hung on the wall in a collection.  This dates from the turn of the century.  $545.US.    ON SALE   $480.US.     
   CH311.   These are some amazing banded agates - probably of Indian or Middle Eastern origin but found in the Suphan Buri area of Thailand.  The burial period dates from 1000 to 500BC.  The beads are more attractive than they appear on the scan - glossier, and more subtle in look, as well as more intriguing to examine....    #1 is about half of an original bead - very nice but one end is original and smooth and the other end is sharply cut.  It has a small swoop of stripes on it.  A little over 5/8 inch long.  $35.US.   #2 is 3/4 inch long and nicely cut at each end.  It has a lovely swirl of white running through it.  $65.US.   #3 is 1 1/4 inches long and quite lovely.  It has beautiful colours and some transluscency at each end.  It has one flattish old worn chip on it.  $175.US.   #4 is beautiful as well with rich and elaborate patterns.  It is a little over 1 1/8 inch long.  $165.US.  #5 has some very fine old chipping on it that has been worn nicely - very small.  It is 1 3/16 inches long and elaborately decorated in a variety of colours.  $165.US.    #6 is quite fat (over 1/2 inch in diameter) and over 1 1/4 inch long.  It is a chunky fellow that has an old worn chip at one end.  It is still very attractive and the chip is well worn.  $165.US.    (#1 & #2  are available)
   CH314.  $45.US/each strand.   CH314 to CH317 are strands from a Chin necklace.  The strands are tied together at the back, then beads are slipped over the strands, and the pieces are totally tied together.  This was in poor condition so I spent a few hours unknotting and unknotting and unknotting, to get this selection of strands.  There are interesting beads among them including lots of carnelian, old Chinese glass, some Venetian made beads, and a few cornaline d'aleppo.  The two final strands each have a marble bead on them - very collectible, and most likely made in Germany.  The Chin, who wore these necklaces would collect beads, and redo the strands with new additions.  I think that the last time this was restrung was when the brass bells were added as they are quite new.    (#2, #4 & #5 are available)
   CH316.   $55.US/each strand.   #1, #2, & #4 are available) 
   CH297.   This is a strand of bronze age Ban Chiang stone beads which were unearthed in Lopburi, Thailand and date to some time between 2000 and 4000 years of age.  They don't really fit together like an average necklace as some have flat ends and others have slanted ends, but somehow they look great strung together anyway.  I didn't want to separate the bunch and sell them individually as they were dug from the same place.  The bottom fat bead is 2 1/8 inches long at the widest part, and 1 5/8 inches across at the narrowest.  These are typical slanted ends.  The beads are a variety of types of stones, most with massive holes going through them.  The entire strand spans 16 1/2 inches.  It is really great if you like weight and substance and age.  $800.US.
   CH243.   I received these beads from a very reputable Bangkok dealer.  They come from Eastern Thailand and are dated from the early bronze age 4000-2500 BC.  I have not dealt enough with shell to have a good sense of their history, but these are definitely extremely old beads with some remnants from burial still sitting on them.  The beads are sturdy and ready to be put in a wearable arrangement - they are currently just wound onto fishing line like many old beads are.  There are 30 inches of beads with the widest being about 3/8 inch across.  $145.US.
   CH245.   Another treasure is this child's jacket.  It was bought in Northern Laos but originated from the Lahu tribes in Burma - not that far away.  The jacket has a beautiful closure on it - you can see similar ones on page 37 of "Peoples of the Golden Triangle".  One side of the jacket has the large disc attached to it, and the other has the button attached which slips into a hole in the center to make the flower.  The jacket has been embroiderd, and has thin panels of multi-coloured fabrics sewn onto it.  There are small raised silver discs gouing all around the jacket as well as around the sleeves.  There are coins and shells attached to the front.  This would look beautiful hanging on the wall with arms extended as in the illustration, or it would look delightful on a child.  The chest is 28 inches around, the sleeves are around 10 inches around and the jacket is 14 inches long.  My only wish is that this was an adult size so that I could keep it.....   $245.US.    (sold)
   CH254.   This is a nice collection of old Chinese carved pieces, dating to be around a hundred or more years old.  They are nicely worn and show a little age from wear.  They were made in the spirit of the ancient ones but are no longer modern copies, not after all of this time.  #1 is 2 1/4 inches tall and about a third of an inch thick.  This seems to be a portrayal of an animal seated on a bell.  The stringing hole is slightly to the back so the piece hangs on a very gentle angle.  $50.US.  #2 is pink with grey streaks running through it - a lovely colour.  It is bell shaped again with some deep lined drawings on it.  It is also about 2 1/4 inches long but almost 3/4 inch thick.  $55.US.  #3 is a fish swirling in the water.  It has a stringing hole that has a slit running across it (just under 1/16 inch thick) so the cord holding it up should be nice and thick and unable to slip through the narrow slit.  It is an energetic looking piece.  2 1/3 inches tall.  $55.US.   (#1 & #2 are sold, #3 is available)
  CH262.   These two strands of beads are made from a bag that I had received, dug up in Western Thailand.  They are quite beautiful - the crystal lovely and clear, and the blue beads delicate and sweet.  Strand #1 is largely made up of clear crystal beads (made of both stone and glass), but contrasts nicely with pale blue and green glass glass. Some of the glass discs are flattened circles.  There are 16 inches of delicacy in all.  $145.US.  Strand #2 has a central crystal stone bead that is quite opaque and measures 7/8 inch in length.  It is surrounded by blue and green glass beads with a total length of 16 inches.  $145.US.  These are both ready to wear with sterling silver clasps.
  CH263.   Strand #1 - $110.US.    Strand #2 - $65.US.   Strand #3 - $125.US. (includes jade)   (#1 is available, the others are sold)
   CH206.   This is an amazing quite rare old Naga pendant strung onto Chinese "padre" beads (the string has broken so the buyer will have to re-string the piece).  The Warrior's pendant is cast of brass and highly patinated to an almost black colour after many years of exposure to the air.  It is 2 1/2 inches tall and 2 1/2 inches wide and quite thick and heavy.  You can see the sculpting of the back on the scan.  Many modern copies are made of this sort of thing, but this is old and authentic and was worn for years in the head hunting society.  $325.US.  
   CH213.   Neither of these bracelets are made of silver.  The material seems to be aluminum, or aluminum with other metal mixed in.  These were made from pots or old containers that had no other use as the community must have been short on high end metals.  Everything was used and nothing wasted.  Bracelet #1 is one of the more unusual pieces that I have seen.  The bracelet has flattened bumps sitting on it and they are inscribed with the numbers "1", "2", "3", and "4".  How unusual!  there is a lot of complex decoration on the piece too - it is quite old and has been very very worn and looks great and dramatic on the wrist.  The inside of the bracelet is 2 1/4 by 1 3/4 inches across  - $175.US.  Bracelet #2 is lighter simpler.  It has round balls soldered around it and stripes between.  It is wonderful that such pieces were made from old cooking pots.  2 1/8 by 1 3/4 inches inside - $85.US.   (#2 is available)
  CH224.   These Indonesian Indo-Pacific disc beads are more unusual than you might first think.  They were found in the Cambodia , Bhutsabong area  and are thought to be from the late Iron age there (about 1500 years old).  These are not made of stone, but of glass.  Typically a much smaller version would be found.  These are thin slices of the red/brown glass that one usually sees in drawn seed beads.  The slices are very thin and delicate and should be strung and worn with some care.  There are a very few beads with chips (less than 10) and I left them on the strand so that they could be pulled off and experimented with.  The strands are about 22 inches long and the average diameter of the beads is about 1/2 inch.  A rare find.  $325.US/each strand.    ON SALE    $250.US.

   CH235.   Here is a set of Miao brass needle cases.  They are made of two parts - an outer case hammered with floral designs, and a part inside where needles can be put into skinny barrels and kept safe.  There is a space to run a string through both cases so that the inside can be pulled in and out when needed.  The upper cases are about 2 3/8 inches long, and the longest lower ones are a little over 2 1/2 inches.  They would make great and curious pendants.  Pendant #7 still has beads attached in the typical way, and costs $45.US.  The other cases cost $40.US each.   (#10 is available, all others are sold)
   CH142.   These earrings all come from Northwest Laos.  They are all graceful and attractive.  Earrings #1 measure just over 1 inch from top to bottom.  The earwire is delicate and would suit any average ear holes.  They extend into an attractive decorated twist. - $50.US.    Earrings #2 are made from silver wire that has been wound into a circle.  The end of it has been hammered and rolled into a small, tight spiral.  Spirals often mean endless life, and hopefulness.  The earrings are 1 1/4 inches tall.  $40.US.   Earrings, #3 and  #4 are flattened spirals, again from Northwest Laos.  Designs have been hammered into the flattened parts.  #3 are 1 1/2 inches tall, #4 are 1 5/8 inches tall - $40.US/each pair.  These are Miao and can be seen on page 180 of "a World of Earrings".   (#4 is available)
   CH145.   These Laotian earrings are shown on page 227 of "a World of Earrings".  You can see why I like the book so much as it is highly illustrated and a real value to any collector.  The author says that the pattern wound into the bottom of the earrings represents a poppy.  Earrings #1 are a well matched pair measuring 1 5/8 inches from top to bottom.  The poppy pattern is made from silver that has been hammered to be very thin and then wound up tightly.  Lovely. - $50.US   Earrings #2 are not well matched.  Perhaps they suit a collector who will keep them on display, or someone who is individualistic enough to not might different sized earrings.  One is 1 1/2 inches tall and the other is slightly over 1 5/8 inches tall. - $45.US. (#2 is available)
   CH123.   This is an ivory netsuke (man reading by a bell) made in China in the mid 20th century as a copy of the original Japanese designs.  This nicely carved and patinated ivory netsuke is signed.  According to the History of Beads, creating Netsuke was creating miniature works of art.  They often reflected social, political or economic circumstances in Japan.  It was often used traditionally as a counterweight to balance the comfortable sitting of an inro.  This piece probably portrays a priest by the temple bell.  It is 2 inches wide and 1 1/2 inches high.  It is beautifully and deeply carved.  There are two wide connecting holes through the bottom of the piece, and parts of the bell could be used as loops as well.   $75.US.
  EA341.   These exquisite antique silver Dong or Miao earrings from Guizhou, China are finely, gracefully, kookily and intricately worked.  Highly collectible, you can find them illustrated on page 185 of "A World of Earrings:  Africa, Asia, America".  The earrings are the same size as the bottom one illustrated - about 2 1/4 by 2 1/4 inches.  If you look closely you can see the impressive fine wirework that is one of the main decorative features.  The large earwire has been hammered and lengthened into shape and consequently has an interesting and very attractive texture.  If you have large and strong earholes, these are wearable, otherwise they would look wonderful in a display case.   (44 grams)  $285.US.
  EA343.   You won't find these Neolithic slate scrapers from China (circa 5000BC) illustrated in any jewellery books, but they would nevertheless make sensational pendants.  Used purely as tools, the central hole would have been drilled to fasten on some sort of handle for ease of use.  They may have scraped skin or something relatively soft.  The two have quite different personalities, #1 being more worn and softer around the edges (1 3/4 by 3 1/2 inches) and #2 being more angular (1 3/4 by 3 1/4 inches).  These have lasted eons but should still be handled with some care and definitely not dropped or banged against anything as even stone breaks when thinly sliced.    $95.US/each  (#2 is available)
 

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    .....India
    .....Africa
    .....African trade beads
    .....North Africa
    .....the Americas including preColumbian
    .....Europe
.........Mexico - traditional rebozos and market shopping
   .....Contemporary jewelry