My Eastern pages are getting too crowded, and I have to start separating them into pages for specific countries.  This is where I will put new items from India for the next little while - until the main page gets a little less overwhelmed.  Most prices of Indian silver are determined by weight and age, so the oldest and heaviest are generally the most expensive pieces.  I must recommend while I have your attention, that if Indian jewellery interest you, you must buy a copy of "Traditional Jewelry of India" and  "The Jewelry of Nepal".  Books are expensive these days, but invaluable resources if you want to full appreciate your own collection...

The beaded items starting at IND105 and finishing with IND108 are intriguing pieces from the Rabari in Gujarat, India.  Looking in the book "BEADWORK:  a World Guide" I found some similarly made pieces with the same components.  In the book it says "The Rabari, one of the largest groups of pastoralists, use beadwork to edge the small bags they make as part of a bride's dowry."  It also says "Rabari beadwork is quite distinctive in style, and though predominantly white and primary colours, like Kathi-style beadwork, it is quite easily recognized as Rabari -- small white shells and white button are often included, the latter in particular mark a piece as Rabari."  These are all difficult pieces to find outside of Gujarat.
   IND137.   sold.
   IND138.   This is a traditionally made Rajasthan/Gujarat necklace with three heavy silver amulets, the central one being 2 1/2 inches wide.  The length of the necklace is 17 inches so it fits closely and gracefully close to the neck.  The cord buttons shut.  The pendants are made with slices of thick silver like hollow boxes.  It is quite an amazing amount of work creating pendants that will not bend or break.  The piece weighs 169 grams.   $450.US.    (on hold)
   IND139.   This traditionally made Rajasthan/Gujarat necklace has three temple shaped antique amulets to catch your eye.  The art on these pieces is excellent and I love the little bird at the top right of the image.  The pieces are good and thick , measuring 2 1/4 inches tall from top of loops to bottom of pendant.  The necklace measures 16 1/2 inches long and sits very nicely close to the neck.  This piece weighs 80.7 grams.   $220.US.
   IND140.   There are three very heavy silver Rajasthan/Gujarat amulets here.  These are made like boxes with decorated fronts, sides, and flat bottoms.  They are hollow inside but the silver is used in thick slices so they weigh quite a lot.  Amulet #1 weighs 58.3 grams and has a wonderful image on it of a dancing 4 armed Ganesha.  It looks like a woman with a broom with him, and a wonderful little animal on the floor.  You will have to research the meaning of these pieces.  #1 is $145.US.   #2  This rectangular temple scene is beautifully rubbed with a rich orange paint.  It is 3 1/4 inches tall (including hanging loops), 2 1/2 inches wide, and about 1/6 inch thick.  107.g grams - $275.US.   #3  Has a detailed image that you will have to research the meaning of....  it is 2 7/8 inches tall (including the hanging loops), weighs 55.3 grams and costs  $135.US.   (all are sold)
   IND141.   These good silver pendants/amulets came from the Rajasthan/Gujarat area of India.  #1 has script on it, but I don't know what it means...  it weighs 22.1 grams - $65.US.   # 2 is a rectangular amulet which was constructed in an interesting way.  The pattern was hammered into a sheet of silver, which was then wrapped around a rectangle of bronze which you can only see from behind.  27.3 grams - $70.US.   #3 is very thick silver and the hammered design shows on the back as well.  It is very attractive to look at.  The amulet weighs 22 grams - $60.US.  #4 is another amulet which is built like a box with top, sides and bottom.  It measures 2 1/2 inches from top of loops to bottom of pendant.  It has a very sweet looking Ganesha on it. 45.1 grams - $135.US.   #5 has a temple shape measuring 2 3/8 inches tall.  The piece is hammered from behind so that you can see the pattern when you turn it over.  19.8 grams - $50.US.   Pendant #6 is 3 5/8 inches tall and hammered from behind.  There are lots of interesting details in the image.  29 grams - $85.US..   (#6 is sold)
   IND142.   Silver "cornerless cube" beads sold at 2.50/gram.  Strand #1 - 17 inches - 65.4 grams - $163.50.    Strand #2 - 16 inches - 95 grams - $237.50.    Strand #3 - 17 inches - 102.8 grams - $257.US..
   IND143.   Silver "cornerless cube" beads sold at 2.50/gram.   Strand #1 - 10 inches - 35 grams - $87.50.    Strand #2 - 11 1/2 inches - 47.1 grams - $117.50.    Strand #3 - 10 1/4 inches - 44 grams - $110.US.
   IND144.   This is a huge ring that could use a little brushing off inside - it is not terribly clean.  The ring is made of silver in the shape of a 2 inch long pendant.  This is a size 9-9.5 and weighs 65 grams.  That is quite a lot for a ring.  $200.US.
   IND145.   Here are two pendants from Multan Pakistan.  They are made of silver and enamelled with a very dark blue.  Pendant #1 - 2 1/2 inches wide - $90.US.   Pendant #2 - 2 1/2 inches wide (with one hanging loop gone many years ago so the space is very smoothed) - $90.US. 

silver bracelet India    IND147.   Here is a silver bracelet from India, over 50 years old.  It is made of chains of silver held together with belts of silver with floral designs on it.  They come together to an elaborate clasp with a figure on the circular part.  The bracelet screws safely shut and is 7 inches around.   $95.US.

   IND105.   This is a small sized bracelet made for a wrist of 6 inches or slightly smaller.  The button at one end loops into an opening at the other, and the spiny branches of beads reach upwards and moves naturally when you walk.  It is really quite wonderful.  $30.US.
   IND106.   This is an amazing bracelet as well.  The band is 5/8 inch wide and has the same beadwork on each side.  This was made for a wrist of 8 1/2 inches or less.  If your wrist is close to that size it will sit nicely and the beads will face outwards.  If your wrist is smaller, then it will slip a little lower and encircle the top of the hand.  I love the way sits.  $40.US.
   IND107.   This bracelet was made in the same way as the one above.  The colouring is the same as well and they would work beautifully as a pair.  I tried them on and they look great sitting next to silver bracelets of other shapes and sizes.   $40.US.
   IND108.      This Rabari necklace has a centerpiece of a triangular carved stone.  It is carved on the front and sides, and I imagine the image has some meaning, but I don't know what it is.  The beaded part of the necklace covers about 15 inches.  The entire necklace when buttoned shut is about 22 inches (it can be buttoned at different points though).  The doubled up strands of beads wind nicely around each other.  I love these complex little pieces sitting against modern simply clothing as a curious contrast.  This necklace is $65.US.
   IND126.   #1 - $42.US.   #2 - $72.US.   #3 - $24.US.   #4 - $58.US.   #5 - $95.US.   #6 - $26.US.   (#5 is available, all of the rest are sold)
   IND127.   These are great pendant/magnets.  They have round magnets at the back which can be removed, and the links on top to make them pendants can be folded behind the matchbox pieces.  These are rather clumsily made but compelling in their designs.  Very cute.  The largest ones are 2 inches by 2 1/2 inches.   $10.US/each. (#1 & #6 are sold)
   IND128.   This rare brass chain is from the Kondh tribe of Orissa, India.  It is quite heavy and 30 inches long, useful for many projects.  There are many attractive textures and colours to these wide holed beads.   $145.US.
   IND131.  There are four bunches of coins and pendants here.  The coins are 2 annas each and measure 5/8 inch across plus hanging loops.  The pendants have one hole at one end, and double holes at the other and measure 1 1/4 inches long.   The first group of pendants - #1 are $105.US.  #2 are $100.US.   Coins #3 are $120.US. and coins #4 are $120.US.   (#3 & #4 are available)
   IND132.   Here is an inexpensive good silver hollow hammered bracelet.  The inside is 2 1/8 by 1 5/8 inches and the opening is 1 inch across.  This is light weight and comfortable.  $65.US.
   IND135.   There are lots of small silver items from India here, priced by weight.   #1 - 2 3/8 inch long bead - $52.US.   #2 - 1 3/4 inch long amulet - $17.US.   #3 - 2 amulets, 1 1/8 inches long - $19.US.   #4 - ring with green glass stone - $12.US.   #5 - 1 1/2 inch long amulet -  $18.US.   #6 - 3 1/8 inch long decorative amulet  - $75.US.   #7 - 3 little amulets - $32.US.   #8 - 2 bells - $17.US.
   IND101.   This is a gorgeous, large pendant - 4 7/8 inches tall.  $220.US.   (sold)
   IND102.   There are two pendants here - #1 is 3 inches tall - $85.US.   #2 is 2 3/8 inches tall - $55.US.   (all sold)
   IND095.   Here is a great piece - Indian amulets creating an impressive necklace.  The bottom amulet is 3 1/2 inches long and 2 inches tall including hanging loops.   It is beautifully manufactured and richly decorated.   The small amulets are each one inch long.  The necklace is 17 1/2 inches long and sits comfortably around the neck.  $375.US.
   IND088.   Here are four lingams, missing their cords.  They are old though, and attractively shaped.  #1 is 2 inches across - $84.US.   #2 is 1 3/4 inches across - $57.US    #3 is tiny at 1 inch wide - $18.US.    #4 is 2 inches wide - $90.US.  (#1 is available)
   IND065.  I have just received an email from a scholarly client which includes an excellent description of these coins.  They are actually "copies of Mogul Indian Rupees that were made in Calcutta in the early 19th century for the jewelry market. They were never minted as coins, but were made as remembrances of fonder days before the British Raj. They were collected by women, and strung on cotton cord for necklaces. These coins say on both sides, "Minted in the 19th year of the 7 climes, in the shadow of the divine favor, the defender of the faith of Mohammed, Shah Ahmad the Zealous." In Urdu, "Maloos jolus 19 zarb, deen Mohammad moshtagh Ahmad." Shah Ahmad was a Mogul Shah".  1 1/8 inches long from top of pendant to bottom of coin - $35.US/each.   (#2 is available)
   IND066.   Pendants #1 - $55.US,  Pendants #2 - $75.US,  Pendants #3 - $100.US,  Pendants #4 - $75.US.   (all are sold)
   IND070.   Pendant #1 - $95.US,  Pendant #2 - $85.US,  Pendant #3 - $55.US,  Pendant #4 - $32.US,  Pendant #5 - $55.US.  (#1 is available)
   IND072.   There are three groups of silver items here.  The first is a set of 8 buttons.  They have half circles hammered into them, then flat silver soldered on the backs and triple loops for hanging.  They would look great on a necklace with three strands of delicate beads running through them.  They are quite small - just over 3/8 inch across, so very graceful.  $35.US.   The second group of items is four silver cones of varying sizes.  They work great at the ends of necklaces or as parts of pendants.  They can have strands of beads running through them, or dangles hanging from them - it is up to your imagination.  The longest is just under 2 inches in length.  $65.US/for four.   The last item includes two twin-penadant pieces - one is a little over 1 3/8 inches long, and the other is 1 5/8 inches long.  They would look great on a necklace or bead strand.   $45.US/for both.  (#2 & #3 are available)
   IND073.  Here are some Rajasthan silver rings - all made from ringlets of twisted wire.  I find them comfy simple things, but very pleasing too.  $38.US/each ring.  The sizes are given on the enlarged scan.   (these are all sold, I do have one wider one at the same price)
  IND074.   This is a necklace of heavy antique copies of silver coins, manufactured over 100 years ago as memories of the past.  They were often worn singly on a cord, or strung together in impressive piles of silver.  This necklace is held together with antique red white heart beads made in Venice, and closed with a sterling silver Indian clasp.  15 3/4 inches long, it circles the neck beautifully with coins lying in every direction.  $220.US.
 
 

IND052.   There are a number of components here, waiting to find their places in some exotic necklace or creation of the imagination.  All constructed of good silver, and all antique.  #1 is a pair of heart shaped "beads" with one hole at one end, and two at the other (1 1/2" long, 36 grams) - $56.US.  #2  is a charming selection of small and delicate pieces - 3 pendants and a bead.  The wirework  bead is 7/8" long (16 grams) - $28.US (sold).  #3 is a collection of 5 cones which can be used easily as necklace ends, or as parts of a pendant.  They measure 1 1/8" long and just under 1/2" across at their widest.  Each one is stamped with a floral design and then has two soldered appliques - a heart and a cross (15 grams).  $42.US (sold).   #4 is a set of 3 necklace ends or pendant components - averaging 1 1/2" long - $36.US (sold).  #5. is 3 charming and odd pendants - $38.US.  (all sold)
IND043.    Three items are illustrated here.  Two pendants and a holed and looped rupee coin.  The coin is unusual as it was pieced 3 times a long time ago (the holes are nicely smoothed from time) and 6 bells suspended from it.  A great centerpiece to a necklace.  The two pendants both have the same general construction.  They are made like beads with a hanging loop on top.  The little silver balls on the bottom are actually individual little wires like stems with silver balls at their ends.  They have been wound round with cord.  These are quite charming and from the early 1900s... A is available.
IND045.   The 3 strands of silver beads listed here are all priced on the full size scan.  These are great fillers and quite difficult to come by - just plain spacers and beads for form a background to your special pieces... 
Strand 1 is 24 inches long - quite heavy solid little beads.hammered individually and firmly into shape. Strand 2 is 12 inches long - the beads are made of thick silver wire that has been cut and hammered into slightly crude circles.   Strand 3 is 17 inches long - the beads are irregular in size and have been hammered into rings.  The seams on most of the beads meet nicely, but some overlap.  These are larger and cruder than the other strands... (#3 is available)
IND003.  This 8 inch Indian bracelet (held together by knot slipped through loop) is made up of seven silver double amulets held together with woven black cord.  There are actually 14 six sided amuletic containers joined together in pairs by the large suspension loops.  The amulets are formed by "box" construction and all have little pyramids of five small  silver balls each on their ends. These amulets are old, patinated and as you can see, dented over most of their surfaces.  Of course, the old bumps and bruises do not detract from their appeal, but rather add the life and shading that most of us who love old things are charmed by.  $120.US.
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return to "Contents" page
    .....Ancient beads
    .....Eastern beads and ornaments
    .....Southeast Asia
    .....Africa
    .....African trade beads
    .....North Africa
    .....the Americas including preColumbian
    .....Europe
   .....Modern copies of ancient objects
   .....Odds and ends