NORTH AFRICA and YEMEN
Nice Moroccan pieces, especially the enamelled
ones are quickly getting scarce as the European market is absorbing them,
and the Europeans as well, are willing to pay much higher prices....
so if you see something that you like, don't wait too long...
I
am combining this page as well - with jewellery from YEMEN. I do
realize it is not on the same continent but there is a lot of trade
between Yemen and Africa, and silver items are often exchanged.
In the Yemeni necklaces (recently put together) North African
pendants and beads are often included as are some pieces from
Afghanistan as well.
If you are interested in great reference books
and don't mind challenging yourself with the French language, I highly recommend:
Splendeurs de Maroc
Bijoux de Maroc, vol. 1&2
Bijoux Berberes de Maroc
Bijoux Berberes d'Algerie
A wonderful new book (2009) which crosses a number of continents and waterways showing the constant influences is:
Jewellery from the Orient: Treasures from the Bir Collection
And a more specific book which has been around for a while:
Morocco: Jews and Art in a Muslim Land
The Art of Bedouin Jewellery: a Saudi Arabian Profile
PLEASE CLICK ON THE SMALL PICTURES TO SEE
THE ITEMS IN FULL... if you see the preview image at a little under 1 1/2 inches tall, you will be seeing the pieces close to life-size...
NAF407. Here is an attractive silver Yemeni
necklace. Coral would often be used with silver in Yemen but it
is scarce and expensive now so coral coloured glass beads were used
instead. The silver pieces are old and nicely worn. The
ornate part of the necklace is a little over 12 inches long on the
inside, longer on the outside. There over 4 inches of chain at
each end as well and an "S" shaped clasp. $225.US.
NAF408. The complex part of this Yemeni
necklace is 9 inches across on the inside. There is 10 inches of
chain as well so that you can sit the necklace in the best place for
yourself. The longest dangles are 7 inches long. The red
decorations are glass with the outside ones imitatiing coral.
$300.US.
NAF409. Here is a very attractive silver amulet
necklace (amulet is 3 inches across) with very attractive complicated
dangles hanging from it. The necklace is 27 inches long at its
longest. It can be hooked to different parts of the silver chain
to shorten it. The beads representing coral are glass. They
are a great coral colour. Very attractive. $315.US.
NAF410. Here is an eclectic looking necklace strung with
new beads with siver wire running through them. The amulet
pendant is a little under 2 inches across. The bracelet is 20
inches long and can be shortened by hooking the "S" hook into a
different part of the chain. $115.US.
NAF411. Here is another eclectic necklace with modern
beads and old silver. It has three amulets, the largest one in
the middle 2 1/8 inches across. The necklace is 20 inches long
but the length can be adjusted with the "S" hook. $135.US. (sold)
NAF412. This Yemeni necklace has some Afghani components
as well including the central amulet. The pendant is 3 inches
across and 4 inches tall including hanging loops and dangles. It
is about 1/3 inch thick. The piece is strung rather clumsily with
new beads including some amber imitations. The beads have wires
running through them which don't always sit well, so the first think
that I would do is restring the piece. It has great components to
it... The necklace is about 29 inches long, and can be shortened
to suit by changing the position of the "S" hook. $335.US.
NAF413. This Yemeni necklace has a great central pendant.
It is 3 5/8 inches wide and 5 1/4 inches tall from the top of the
hanging loops to the bottom of the last pendants. If you notice,
the diamond shaped pendant has been repaired at its top hanging loop
and has one set of pendants missing. Old pieces that are well
worn have certainly been loved over the years. The fake amber
beads are a type of plastic. The necklace is 24 inches long but
can be shortened by adjusting the "S" hook. $335.US.
NAF414. This Yemeni ring is a size 9 set with a facet
glass stone, darker and deeper red than it appears in the photo.
$35.US.
NAF415. This Yemeni ring is a size 10. The band is
a little crookedly shaped, not perfectly round. The stone is a
slice of red glass. I love its construction. $45.US.
NAF416. This Yemeni necklace is mostly low silver though
the small amulet pendants on the side are high grade. The central
pendant representing a protective hand or hamsa is 3 3/4 inches tall.
The entire necklace is 20 inches long and is slipped over the
head as it has no clasp. An "S" shaped clasp could be easily
added though... $75.US. (sold)
NAF417. The three silver beads on this strand are low
silver but attractive. They have a diameter of 1 inch or so.
The red beads are glass (slightly deeper in colour than in the
photo). The strand is 16 1/2 inches long but has no closure.
An "S" hook would do the job turning it into a necklace.
$60.US. (sold)
NAF418. This is a gorgeous, complex, Yemeni silver
necklace. I love all of the different parts - and the bells make
a very light tinkling when moving. The complex part is 9 1/2
inches across on the inside with an addition of 7 inches of chain.
It can be closed at different lengths. The central piece is
3 3/8 inches tall. Very impressive when worn. $385.US.
NAF419. This Yemeni necklace is highly influenced by the
Afghanis. The central pendant makes me immediately think of that
area with Turkoman and other pieces. The pendant is 4 1/2 inches
tall and when you add the chains and bells it is 10 1/2 inches long.
The decorations on it are glass with the smaller ones imitating
coral. The chain is 20 inches long and can be adjusted. The
necklace is very eye catching when worn. $425.US.
NAF420. This is a very heavy Yemeni necklace though it
has quite a delicate central pendant. The different pieces are
different grades of silver, ranging from sterling quality to coin
silver but they all look good together. The central pendant with
pink glass stones (some missing) looks as if it has been gilded.
The inside of the necklace is 15 1/2 inches around. It does
not have a proper clasp so is currently being opened by a loop in one
piece of the chain. This is quite magnificent. The central
rectangular pendant with next one attached is 5 3/4 inches tall.
$340.US.
NAF421. Here is a very attractive silver Yemeni necklace.
It is all good silver and will gleam as nicely as you want it to
with polishing. The pieces are all antique and nicely worn, and
very few are perfect. If you look carefully you will see that not
all loops have pendants attached. You can move pieces around to
sit differently if you like, or admit that nothing in this world is
perfect, and keep it as it is... This is exactly how it was
bought originally so these pieces have been together for quite a long
time. The central amulet pendant is 3 1/6 inches across.
Silver beads make up 13 inches of the part going around the neck.
Including the cotton cord it is about 20 inches long, and can be
untied and tied shut again. $385.US.
NAF422. This Yemeni necklace is made up of different
grades of silver, all with a good colour to them. No two pieces
match exactly as they were put together from a group of pieces.
The red glass beads (a little more red than in the photo)
represent coral. The decorative found pieces have facet red glass
centers. The front pendant including rectangle and amulet pendant
is 3 1/2 inches tall. The necklace is 20 inches around. A
clasp needs to be added to be able to open and shut it. $315.US.
NAF423. This is a gorgeous Yemeni necklace with
beads of old silver and of newish rich red glass. The decorative
inside of the necklace is 10 inches long and the entire necklace is 18
inches long and can be adjusted to length. This is a good solid
piece ready to wear. $375.US.
NAF424. This Yemeni necklace needs restringing as it is
in its original form. It is a combination of old silver with
coral coloured glass beads. The central pendant including
rectangle and disc below with dangles is 5 1/2 inches long. The
inside of the necklace is 14 inches across plus cord... $360.US.
NAF425. This Yemeni necklace needs some work.
The main pendant is definitely from Afghanistan or somewhere
close by. It is 3 1/8 inches wide and has a piece that fits
inside to shut it. Right now that piece slips out very easily, it
might be a substitute rather than the original piece, so it could be
abandoned or could have a bit of wrapping to make it fit tight.
If you look carefully at the pendant you will see that the
dangles are uneven. They could be moved for a better balance.
Otherwise there are quite a few good pieces on this necklace that
could be used for another project. $300.US.
NAF426. Here is a very dramatic solid brass bracelet from
Yemen. It weighs quite a lot - 378 grams so you need some
strength to wield it on your wrist. It is dramatically beautiful
though and is wonderful to examine. This is old, worn, and bumped
around and only the better for its age. The inside of the
bracelet is 2 1/4 inches by 2 1/8 inches with a 1 1/4 inch wide
opening. It is covered with patterns carved and cut into the cast
brass. I have never seen another piece like this. It has
the imagery of some of the Moroccan bracelets and the substance of the
brass from Burkino Faso or the Ivory Coast. $450.US. (sold)
NAF427. This is a magnificent large bracelet
typical of the intricate work of the Jewish silversmiths who moved
across North Africa and into Yemen. The silver bracelet is hollow
and covered with granulation, twisted wired, cut-outs, etc. It
weighs 221 grams, is old, very worn with a few missing cut-outs.
the outside is 5 5/8 inches across and the inside opening 2 7/8
inches across. It is 1 3/8 inches high at the tallest.
$400.US.
NAF428. You can see a very similar silver bracelet on
page 141 of "A World of Bracelets". This one is a little more
bumped and worn. The author says "Most of these bracelets are
found in Ethiopia and among the Rashaida in Sudan." The bracelet
is 4 3/8 inches across on the outside and 2 3/4 inches across the
inside opening. The widest part of the bracelet is 7/8 inches
high. It weighs 87 grams. $155.US.
NAF429. This silver bracelet is the same type as the one
above possibly originating in Ethiopia and among the Rashaida in Sudan.
It is 4 inches across on the outside and 2 1/2 inches across the
inside opening. It is 5/8 inch tall when sitting. This
weighs 71 grams. $145.US.
NAF430. I wish that this dramatic bracelet was made of
sterling grade silver but it is more of a mixed metal instead. It
is a great looking individual piece and heavy too weighing in at 214
grams. The inside measures 2 inches by 1 3/4 inches with a 1 1/8
inch wide opening. $175.US.
NAF431. This is a simpler version of a couple of the
bracelets above. It is low grade silver, measures 3 5/8 inch
across on the outside and 2 3/8 by 2 5/8 inches across on the inside.
It stands a little over 3/4 inch tall. $70.US.
NAF432. This is a very interesting bracelet that came out
of Yemen. The silver is low grade but it has been worked a lot
including engraving the inside, where it is nicely worn now. The
bracelet has a hinge to open it, and a lock behind the front
decoration. The bracelet is 2 1/4 inches by 2 1/2 inches across
on the inside. The decoration at the front is 7/8 inch square.
The bracelet weighs 149 grams. $155.US.
NAF433. There are two silver rings here from Yemen.
Ring #1 is size 9. Ring #2 is size 8. $65.US/each.
NAF434. These two rings are made of low grade siver and
glass facet stones. The glass is richer and darker red than it
appears in the photo. Ring # is size 5.5. Ring #2 is size
7. $35.US/each.
NAF435. These two rings have great frames to them, with
bands like a fence. They both have dark red glass with dulled
surfaces. Ring #1 is 6.5/7. Ring #2 is 7.5.
$45.US/each.
NAF436. This is a very attractive silver ring with a
complicated pattern on it. A red (it looks orange in the photo)
glass piece represents coral and sits at the top. The ring is a
size 8. $75.US.
NAF437. This silver ring is a very good grade, size 10.
The silver looks better in real life than in the photo.
$45.US.
NAF270. Here is
a nice variety of fibulae - #1 is 3 inches tall - $80.US.
#2 is 3 1/2 inches tall - $65.US. #3 is 3 1/2 inches tall
- $155.US. #4 is 2 3/4 inches tall - $66.US. (#3 is available, the rest are sold)
NAF402.
Here is a variety of Moroccan pendants, some used for
head-pieces and some on clothing or jewellery. Pendant #1 would
need to be hung from the 3 loops on one side (it is sitting upside down
in the photo). One loop still has a silver ring sitting in it.
There is a square of red glass in the middle, and enamelling.
The pendant is 2 inches across. $70.US.
Pendant #2 could be hung by its 3 loops or through the
holes at each side. It is slightly over 2 inches across.
$25.US. The traffic light pendant #3 is 2 3/4 inches tall
with glass of blue, red and green. It is hung from a loop at the
top. $65.US. Pendant #4 has holes on each side for
stringing. From top to bottom including the pendant it measures 2
7/8 inches long. $40.US. Pendant #5 has a
center square of glass which is so dark blue that you can hardly
recognize the colour. It has a hanging loop at the top of the 2
inch pendant. Some of the enamelling is missing but it has a
wonderful grace to it. $75.US.
NAF403. There are two very old Moroccan enamelled
pendants here. Pendant #1 is quite complex with two little
decorative towers on each side of the square red glass cabochon.
There is a round red cabochon below and 3 coins swinging below.
The entire piece is 3 3/4 inches tall and can be strung through
an opening running across the top. It can take a wide cord.
$160.US. The second pendant - #2 is far more simple
though very nicely enamelled. It has a square glass cabochon in
the middle and can be strung with an opening running across the top.
The back is quite beat up from age, but the front remains quite
perfect. $100.US.
NAF404. There are three very different "infinity"
pendants from Morocco here. These carry a symbolic statement
about mankind. Pendant #1 is 2 1/2 inches tall - $35.US.
Pendant #2 is 2 1/2 inches tall - $40.US. Pendant #3 is the
oldest of the three and 2 7/8 inches tall - $75.US.
NAF405. This five strand necklace of good coral is
more attractive and redder than the photo shows. I have an
impossible time getting the colours of coral, or of red, or dark blue
corrected properly. This was strung together in Morocco of
Nigerian coral with a button and loop closing. The coral part of
the necklace has 5 strands of 15 1/2 inches each. (77 1/2 inches
total). The necklace itself (including cord) is 18 1/2 inches
long. $600.US.
NAF406. Here are two of the typical Moroccan "egg"
pendants, often used as central pieces between a pair of fibulae.
The beading hole goes across the beads, and coin dangles hang
below. These are vintage pieces, not antiques but are
energetically made and very attractive. The coins are old though.
Bead #1 is 1 3/8 inches across and 3 inches from top to bottom of
pendants. $85.US. (40.7 grams) Bead #2 is enamelled with green but just has a minor amount of the contrasting colour remaining. $85.US. (38 grams)
NAF276. There are three antique, well worn, beautiful silver
enamelled silver beads from Morocco. They are often worn as the
central bead of a necklace or hanging on chains between two fibula.
Bead #1 is quite heavy and sturdy (35.6 grams). It had a
thick design soldered onto it and now is worn to a smoother finish
which I like very much. The bead is 1 3/4 inches long.
$145.US. Bead #2 is small and sweet - it is the most
worn but remarkably it still has a good finish on the enamelling. The
bead is just under 1 1/2 inches long and weighs 12.7 grams.
$45.US. (#2 is sold)
Bead #3 is the largest of the three. It is 2 1/8 inches long, has
a central hole for stringing as well as three loops for hanging
dangles, etc. from. It is very well worn with more than
half of the enamelling missing. It has a rich look with the
colours of silver and other bits of colours showing in places... it
weighs 30.3 grams. $165.US. I see many newer versions of
these that don't look particularly interesting - while the old ones
seem to hold history inside themselves. (#3 is available)
NAF296. This piece measures 20 1/2 inches long. It
is a combination of 2 fibulae (they have coral placed in the silver
openings and the remains of enamel in green and orange in the dips of
the design) with chains attaching them to beads. It is rather
small and delicate and would work very nicely in a very decorative way
on a sweater. It is silver, and it is antique though I imagine
the pieces have been attached in a new combination than in the past as
the spring rings seem to be newer than the main pieces. $110.US.
NAF299. There is an interesting group of Moroccan/Berber
pendants here. Pendant #1 has been cast and has a stringing hole
across the top as well as across the bottom. It has been
enamelled with the typical colours but much of that has been worn off.
The central cabochon is a round piece of red glass. The
pendant is 2 1/4 inches tall. $66.US. Pendant #2 is
fabricated from a thick sheet of cast silver soldered with wire.
There are stringing holes across the top as well as across the
bottom. The upper round cabochon is dark red, and the lower oval
one is dark green. The piece is 2 1/8 inches tall. $90.US.
Pendant #3 is made of sheet silver with wire, enameling and a
square red facet glass stone. There are hanging loops on each
side as well as at the top. The piece is 1 5/8 inches tall.
$60.US. Pendant #4 is a typical pendant made of sheet
silver and nielloed with black. The square cabochon is bright
red. The pendant is 2 1/4 inches tall. $56.US. (#1, #3 & #4 are sold. #2 is available)
NAF303. Here are two of the typical Berber beads used in
necklaces or as a center bead in a chain connected to two fibulae.
The beads are around a hundred years old and most of their
enamelling has been worn off over the years. Bead #1 has coins
hanging from it - 50cent Spanish coins from the last quarter of the
1800s. The bead is 1 3/8 inches across. The coins are a
little under 3/4 inch across. $280.US. Bead #2 is smaller
and smoothly worn in places. It measures 1 1/8 inches across with
a diameter of 1 inch. $115.US. (#1 is available)
NAF306. This is an enamelled silver bracelet, set
with red glass and having four coins hanging from it - from Morocco.
The bracelet opens with a pin so that it can be put on and taken
off easily. This is a good heavy piece (more modern pieces tend
to have thin silver and bend easily) and is 1 1/4 inches tall, and 2
1/4 inches by 2 1/8 inches on the inside. It needs polishing very
badly as it hasn't been cleaned for many years. It will gleam
beautifully if it is looked after. $345.US.
NAF308. This is a strong minded Moroccan necklace made
mostly of shells which have been tied together, one at a time, around a
cord. The central part is two shell slices (1 3/8 inches in
diameter), a dark piece that I don't quite recognize, and 3 brass
bells. The necklace is 21 inches around and shuts at the back
with a beaded button and loop. This is an eye catching and
natural looking piece. $355.US.
NAF309. This is not a typical stringing from Morocco but
a contemporary version. It has 15 1/2 inches of antique Venetian
trade beads shut with a loop and a button. The pendant is very
traditional silver with enamelling measuring 3 inches in height.
Ready to wear. $295.US.
NAF314. Pendants like this are often worn attached to
earrings, or stitched onto a head-band. This is old and
interesting and came from an old collection. The knob one one
side of the central part is missing, leaving an opening that one can
string through. The other knob has a loop at the back so you
could use those two elements to suspend this piece. The center
dangle below has one side clipped. It is still a good and
attractive piece with the original enamelling and a square red stone
set into the middle. This measures 3 3/8 inches from top to
bottom. $95.US.
NAF318. #1 is a Dra'aa Valley fibula from the Atlas
Mountains of Morocco. 3 7/8 inches tall - $62.US. Numbers
2 through 4 of the fibulae are from the Dades Valley of the Atlas
Mountains of Morocco. #2 is 4 5/8 inches tall - $68.US. #3
is 5 inches tall - $105.US. #4 is 5 inches tall - $110.US.
#5 is from the Western Atlas Mountains - just under 3 1/4 inches
tall - $55.US. (#1 is sold, the others are available)
NAF322. This is the heaviest Mauritanian ankle
bracelet (khalkhal) that I have had - it weighs in at 105 grams of good
silver. Because of its size it makes a great wrist bracelet
though - it measures 2 3/8 by 1 3/4 inches on the inside and the
opening is 1 inch wide. The anklets were worn to dispel evil
spirits, to walk safely as well as to look attractive. These were
originally worn by the noble women but there are versions now for
everyone. This is an authentic antique piece (modern ones are
being made and sold as antique at times) and has been banged around a
few times which gives it the look of age. The intricate
decorative rectangle is 1 3/8 by 1 3/16 inches and the solid silver
balls at the back are 3/4 inch in diameter. See page 35 of "A
World of Bracelets". $550.US.
NAF324. These earrings are 2 3/4 inches tall, made with
nicely zig-zagged dangles. The earwires are just slightly thicker
than the average modern styles. $110.US (sold)
NAF325. There are two very small fibulae here. #1
is 2 1/4 inches tall and includes a spotted silver bead. $75.US.
#2 is 2 1/4 inches tall. $65.US.
NAF326. Here are three delicate, nicely cut antique
Moroccan rings. Ring #1 is a size 10, Ring #2 is a size 6.5, and
Ring #3 is size 5. $65.US/each (#1 & #2 are sold, #3 is available)
NAF327.
These strands of agate beads (the beads that look like coral are
glass) with silver additions are from Yemen, including very attractive
amulets. Strand #1 has 25 inches of beads plus a 2 inch long
amulet pendant. Strand #2 has 26 inches of beads plus a 2 1/4
inch long amulet pendant. $220.US/each strand (#1 is available, #2 is sold)
NAF328.
This is a gorgeous pair of silver and enamel fibulae attached
with chain. Each fibula measures 7 1/2 inches long and is nicely
hammered with designs, studded with silver domes, decorated with square
glass stones and burnished with time. These are antique, not
modern reproduction. The thick chain between them is 13 inches
long. This is an excellent example. $685.US.
NAF329. The large antique enamelled "egg" pendant is 1 3/4
inches across with a hanging loop at the top. It has large holes from
end to end as well. - $95.US. The small "egg"
pendant is 1 3/8 inches across, antique and although it has been bumped
around with one end a little flattened - it still has a good shape and an attractive amount of green
enamel remaining. The holes go from end to end. - $65.US.
NAF332. These are all interesting antique pendants made
with good silver and enamelling. #1 is 1 7/8 inches tall and 2
1/8 inches wide. There are hanging loops at each side and at the
top - $45.US., #2 is quite unusual, a fairly simple but
distinctive pendant 1 3/4 inches tall - $30.US., #3 has a ridge
at the top for stringing, as well as two hanging loops at the bottom.
The enamel is in good condition. The pendant is a little
over 1 3/4 inches tall - $75.US. (all are sold)
NAF334. There are four antique silver enamelled pendants
here. #1 is 1 3/4 inches tall and a hole at the top and the
bottom. - $38.US., #2 is 3 inches tall with a hole at the top
and the bottom. - $42.US., #3 is 2 5/8 inches tall with a
hanging ring at the top. - $35.US., #4 is 1 1/3 inches tall with
a folded part at the top to use for hanging. - $45.US. (#3 is available, the others are sold)
NAF339. Here are two antique hair ornaments which look
great as pendants on a necklace that makes a strong statement.
They were used in Morocco by "attaching them to the end of plaits
in the Akka oasis or were hung on the temples in Agadir. They
were filled with perfumed wool to arouse the senses." (see page
265 of A World of Head Ornaments). The pieces are enamelled and
the ring part averages 7/8 inch across - they are slightly different
sizes. The entire pieces from back to front are 2 3/8 and 2 1/2
inches across. They are made of sterling grade silver and could
be polished up if you like. They have simply sat like this in a
display case for over ten years. $250.US/pair.
NAF340. This is a fairly simple pair of antique Moroccan
earrings set with glass cabochons, enamelled in the traditional yellow
& green, and hung with coins. The entire pieces from top of
earwire to bottom of coins is 3 3/8 inches. They could be
polished for the silver to shine if you like. If you plan on
wearing these you need a larger than average earhole.
$95.US. (sold)
NAF341. This Tuareg kohl applicator is made of brass with
balls of silver and copper decorating it. This is a solid piece
with a strong hanging pendant. The background is covered with a
design of tiny lines on it. 4 7/8 inches tall.
$95.US. (sold)
NAF342.
There are two Mauritanian magical chart rings illustrated here.
The letters/numbers combine in magical ways to protect the wearer
and to bring good fortune. They are quite mysterious. Ring
#1 is a size 11. $155.US. Ring #2 is a size 10.5.
$175.US. (both are sold)
NAF343. The largest of these three aluminum decorations
cut in the same way as shells is 1 3/8 inches long. $55.US/group
of three (sold)
NAF344. This group of cast silver pieces cut like shells
is $85.US. The small ones are 3/4 inch in diameter, the
large one is only slightly larger. (sold)
NAF345. This is a varied group of antique cut shell
beads/applications from Morocco. The pieces are $24.US each.
NAF346. Pendant #1 is 1 3/4 inches tall - $80.US.
Pendant #2 is 2 1/8 inches tall - $78.US. Pendant #3 is 1 5/8
inches tall - $64.US.
NAF347. Pendant #1 is 2 1/4 inches tall - $103.US.
Pendant #2 is 2 1/8 inches tall - $94.US. Pendant #3 is 2 3/8
inches tall - $78.US. Pendant #4 is 2 1/8 inches tall - $56.US. (#2 is sold)
NAF348. This antique pendant is 3 1/2 inches tall,
centered with a red glass stone and nicely enamelled. $150.US.
NAF349. This is a very attractive silver pendant made of
two tools with glass cabochons attached. The entire piece is 3
5/8 inches long. $65.US.
NAF350. Moroccan cross #1 is 2 inches tall - $135.US.
cross #2 is 2 3/8 inches tall - $135.US. cross #3 is 1
7/8 inches tall - $72.US. (#3 is sold)
NAF351. This is a rather wonderful large looped chain
with an enamelled pendant attached. The chain has a section that
is 20 inches long, and then a shorter pendant chain which is 4 inches
long. At the top of the pendant on the back is a hook.
I imagine it was once used like a buckle. $185.US.
NAF352. These pendants are $45.US/each. (#3
is 2 3/4 inches tall, you can compare the others to that one.) (#2 & #3 are available, the others are sold)
NAF353. Both of these khamsas are old. Khamsa #1 is
2 3/8 inches tall, nicely cut with an attached hanging loop.
$45.US. Khamsa #2 is cut from a flat sheet of silver which
has been decorated all over. When you look at the back of the
stringing hole you will see that it was punched through, and silver is
folded back behind. The piece is 3 1/4 inches tall. $65.US. (both are sold)
NAF354. Here are two antique, nicely worn pendants.
Pendant #1 is 2 1/4 inches tall. Pendant #2 is 2 1/8
inches tall. $130.US/each.
NAF355. Pair of antique silver Moroccan hair ornaments.
The pieces measure 2 1/8 inch in length from end of loop to end
of bead. They are sold as a pair. $110.US.
NAF356. This antique amulet is from Mauritania. It
is made of copper in the front and a white metal in the back. It
is attractive and ready to string up and wear. This is 2 1/8 inches tall including stringing loops. $65.US.
NAF357. There are four antique Tuareg crosses here. Cross
#1 is 2 1/2 inches tall - $65.US. Cross #2 is 3 5/8 inches tall
- $80.US. Cross #3 is 3 3/8 inches tall - $100.US.
Cross #4 is 3 1/8 inches tall - $104.US. (sold)
NAF358. This is a very attractive antique Tuareg cross, 3 1/8
inches tall. It has been worn, and the pattern is lightly
softened from wear. $115.US.
NAF359. You can see a similar piece on page 189 of
"Africa Adorned" by Angela Fisher. It hangs over a rectangle of
leather with straps atached to make a necklace. These were worn
by Bella women in northern Nigeria on the Savannah of Africa. I
have never had these decorative pieces in the past so was happy to have
them identified (the item below as well). This piece is 3 inches
tall and is made of silver but could use a good cleaning.
Everything is flat excelt for the knob at the bottom.
$85.US. (sold)
NAF360. This is the same type of piece as NAF359 above -
you can read the description there. This piece is much smaller
though at 2 1/3 inches in length. One little tab at the bottom is
turned up. I don't recommend folding it down unless it was heated
as the silver might just crack and break. $65.US. (sold)
NAF361. I have a single fibula here - it losts its other
half years ago, but is an old and beautiful piece on its own as well.
I have had customers use them as dramatic pendants. The
fibula is antique, very nicely made with the tiny spots making the
design, and the artistry altogether. The fibula is 7 inches long
and 3 3/4 inches wide at the bottom of the triangular section.
$300.US.
NAF362. Similar antique silver bracelets from Mauritania
are illustrated on page 34 of "a World of Bracelets". These
imitate the designs made by henna. They are pulled open and when
pressed tightly closed they are quite firmly shut. Some people
like to knot through the holes at the closing though, just in case a
bracelet might accidentally get caught on something and be lost.
Bracelet #1 is 2 1/5 inches in diameter on the inside. $160.US.
Bracelet #2 is a little smaller and 2 inches in diameter on the
inside. $140.US. (both sold)
NAF363. This pair of antique silver Tuareg earrings needs
earholes a little wider than average. They hang beautifully, aged
very nicely, and are 2 1/5 inches tall. $75.US. (sold)
NAF364. This is a perfect little Tiznit Morocco enamelled ring in a size 8. $85.US.
NAF365. This is a famous style of a silver niello
bracelet from Morocco (Anti-Atlas). You can see varieties of this
on page 20 of "a World of Bracelets". This is a beautifully made
antique piece where you can see the constant hammer marks on the inside
of the bracelet. This was made for a round wrist, not a flat one.
The inside is 2 1/8 inch in diameter. A wrist close to that
size would be perfect. The opening is 1 inch across but can
stretch a little while the bracelet is being pulled on. $340.US.
NAF366. Here are three antique silver pendants from
Morocco. #1 is 2 inches tall. $35.US. #2 is 4
inches long. $95.US. #3 is 2 1/4 inches long. $75.US. (all are sold)
NAF367. There are two shell buttons here to be sold
together. The one has usable stringing holes, and the other has
holes that are worn through. They are worn so smoothly that they
are just beautiful sitting in my hand. The larger one has a
diameter of 1 inch. $18.US.
NAF368. This is the first wood spindle whorl that I have
had. The spindle is a Berber piece coming from Morocco, It
is a richly coloured wood that has been toned darker over time and use.
The patterns cut into the flat part are very attractive,
especially after the softening of wear. This is 2 1/4 inches in
diameter and a little over 1 inch tall. It would be an impressive
pendant on a necklace. $60.US.
NAF370. This is a pair of Kabylie (Berber) silver
earrings originating from the north of Algeria. The earrings are
1 3/8 inch across. $70.US.
NAF371. Group of silver Moroccan pendants averaging a little over 1 1/4 inches tall. $75.US. (sold)
NAF372. These spiral "infinity" pendants average 2 1/2
inches tall. #2 is $75.US. The rest are $60.US each. (#1, #5 & #6 are sold)
NAF373. These antique silver pendants are from Morocco and
ready to be centerpieces on a necklace. #4 is 2 1/8 inches tall -
you can compare the others to that one to determine their size.
#1, #4, #5 & #6 are are $45.US each. #2 & #3 are $40.US
each.
NAF374. Moroccan pendants. #1 - $22.US. #2 -
$28.US. #3 - $28.US. #4 - $30.US. #5 - $30.US.
#6 - $30.US. #7 - $40.US. (#6 is 1 5/8 inches tall
- you can compare that to the others).
NAF375. This is a very attractive antique silver khamsa
(protective hand) pendant - 2 1/16 inches tall. $65.US. (sold)
NAF376. This antique silver Tuareg cross is 3 1/2 inches
tall. It could use some buffing to bring some life to it.
It also has some scotch tape on the back which needs careful
cleaning off. $85.US.
NAF377. Here is a more complex Tuareg cross measuring
slightly over 2 1/2 inches tall. The silver piece in the center
actually stands up about 1/5 inch tall. The two hanging looks at
the sides of the bottom part are quite worn from the years gone by, but
are still useable - carefully. $105.US.
NAF378. These two coin pendants are $45.US each. #1
is soldered so that the pendant is permanently fastened to the
coin (1 5/8 inches tall) but the coin on #2 can be turned to
straighten or push it to an angle as it is in the photo.
NAF379. These silver coin pendants (actual coins) have
come out of Morocco. The coins measure 1 1/4 inches in diameter.
The entire piece of #1 is 2 1/4 inches tall. #1 & #2
are $75.US each. #3 & #4 are $70.US each.
NAF380. These conical pendants (most have their bottoms
soldered shut) are sold as a group. The longest is slightly over
1 1/4 inches tall. $40.US.
NAF381. This 1 3/8 inch tall silver pendant has magic writing on both sides. $65.US. (sold)
NAF382. This fibula has a mix of silver and bronze in it
to give it a rather warm colour. It is 5 inches tall.
$115.US.
NAF383. Antique silver Moroccan bracelet with an inner diameter of 2 1/4 inches across. $125.US. (sold)
NAF385. There is a single enamelled Moroccan pendant
here, centered with a green glass facet stone. It is 2 3/8 inches
from side to side. $50.US.
NAF386. Pendant #1 1 5/8 inches tall - $65.US. Pendant #2 - 1 3/4 inches tall - $65.US. (#1 is sold, #2 is available)
NAF387. This enamelled Berber silver egg is meant to be
the centerpiece in a neck-piece including a pair of fibula. It is
a great pendant on its own though with a stringing hole going across
it. The bead is about 1 1/2 inches wide. When hanging with
pendants extended the entire piece is 3 inches tall.
$125.US.
NAF389. Moroccan silver crosses - these are quite heavy
& ornate. #1 is 1 3/4 inches tall - $75.US. #2 is
1 5/8 inches tall - $70.US. (#1 is sold, #2 is available)
NAF390. Small Moroccan silver crosses - #1 is under an
inch tall - $28.US. #2 is just under 1 3/8 inches tall - $65.US.
#3 is just over 1 1/4 inches tall - $65.US.
NAF391. This graceful antique silver Koranic pendant has
writing on both sides. It is 2 1/4 inches across at the widest.
$110.US. (sold)
NAF392. Berber silver antique hair ornament. (it weighs 92.3 grams) $245.US.
NAF393. Pendant #1 is 2 3/4 inches tall - $42.US. Pendant #2 is just under 3 inches tall - $46.US.
NAF394. This is a fat, double sided earring piece missing
pendants or ear hook. It makes a great pendant. It is just
under 1 1/2 inches tall. $38.US.
NAF395. This 1 1/4 inch tall silver pendant has writing hammered into it. $35.US.
NAF396. This group of pendants is sold as a group
for $75.US. The central pendant in the preview photo is 1
7/16 inches tall.
NAF397. This group of pendants (some are coins) is sold as
a group for $55.US. The one on the left of the preview
photo is 7/8 inches tall.
NAF398. Tuareg ring size 7.5 - $65.US.
NAF399. Here is a quite heavy Tuareg cross that has been
decorated with layers of wood fastened with silver discs. The
cross is 2 1/2 inches tall and is silver but not sterling quality.
$175.US.
NAF400. These traditional Moroccan earrings have natural
coral embelleshing. They measure about 3 inches tall. The
untraditional part is that someone has soldered on earwires so that
they can be worn with average american or european earholes. They
can be used or can quite easily be cut off and filed away as if they
had never been added. $185.US.
NAF401. These coral beads are much richer in colour than
the photo shows. It is very difficult for me to get coral images
the correct colour. There is a little over 23 grams.
$165.US.
NAF221. Here are three
Moroccan fibulae from the Dra'aa Valley (page 28 of "A World of Necklaces".
They represent turtles and different designs represent different regions
of the country. #1 is 3 3/8 inches tall - $125.US. #2 is
3 1/8 inches tall - $120.US. #3 is 3 1/2 inches tall - $130.US.
(#1 is available)
|
NAF109. Three small Berber
rings are illustrated here, and all of them appear on page 23 of the brand
new (and wonderful, of course) book "A World of Rings: Africa, Asia,
America" by Anne Van Cutsem. The teapot ring represents hospitality
and fits a size 9.5, the airplane ring is representative of the influences
of the modern world - size 11 and the abstracted ram guarantees the return
of the life cycle - size 6.5. All made of good silver - all vintage.
$46.US each. (teapot and airplane are sold) |
To place an order, click here
return to "Contents" page
.....Ancient
beads
.....Eastern beads and ornaments
.....Southeast
Asia
.....India
.....Africa
.....African
trade beads
.....the
Americas including preColumbian
.....Europe
.........Mexico -
traditional rebozos and market shopping
.....Contemporary jewelry
NAF407. Here is an attractive silver Yemeni
necklace. Coral would often be used with silver in Yemen but it
is scarce and expensive now so coral coloured glass beads were used
instead. The silver pieces are old and nicely worn. The
ornate part of the necklace is a little over 12 inches long on the
inside, longer on the outside. There over 4 inches of chain at
each end as well and an "S" shaped clasp. $225.US.
NAF408. The complex part of this Yemeni
necklace is 9 inches across on the inside. There is 10 inches of
chain as well so that you can sit the necklace in the best place for
yourself. The longest dangles are 7 inches long. The red
decorations are glass with the outside ones imitatiing coral.
$300.US.
NAF409. Here is a very attractive silver amulet
necklace (amulet is 3 inches across) with very attractive complicated
dangles hanging from it. The necklace is 27 inches long at its
longest. It can be hooked to different parts of the silver chain
to shorten it. The beads representing coral are glass. They
are a great coral colour. Very attractive. $315.US.
NAF410. Here is an eclectic looking necklace strung with
new beads with siver wire running through them. The amulet
pendant is a little under 2 inches across. The bracelet is 20
inches long and can be shortened by hooking the "S" hook into a
different part of the chain. $115.US.
NAF411. Here is another eclectic necklace with modern
beads and old silver. It has three amulets, the largest one in
the middle 2 1/8 inches across. The necklace is 20 inches long
but the length can be adjusted with the "S" hook. $135.US. (sold) 
NAF412. This Yemeni necklace has some Afghani components
as well including the central amulet. The pendant is 3 inches
across and 4 inches tall including hanging loops and dangles. It
is about 1/3 inch thick. The piece is strung rather clumsily with
new beads including some amber imitations. The beads have wires
running through them which don't always sit well, so the first think
that I would do is restring the piece. It has great components to
it... The necklace is about 29 inches long, and can be shortened
to suit by changing the position of the "S" hook. $335.US.
NAF413. This Yemeni necklace has a great central pendant.
It is 3 5/8 inches wide and 5 1/4 inches tall from the top of the
hanging loops to the bottom of the last pendants. If you notice,
the diamond shaped pendant has been repaired at its top hanging loop
and has one set of pendants missing. Old pieces that are well
worn have certainly been loved over the years. The fake amber
beads are a type of plastic. The necklace is 24 inches long but
can be shortened by adjusting the "S" hook. $335.US. 
NAF414. This Yemeni ring is a size 9 set with a facet
glass stone, darker and deeper red than it appears in the photo.
$35.US. 
NAF415. This Yemeni ring is a size 10. The band is
a little crookedly shaped, not perfectly round. The stone is a
slice of red glass. I love its construction. $45.US. 
NAF416. This Yemeni necklace is mostly low silver though
the small amulet pendants on the side are high grade. The central
pendant representing a protective hand or hamsa is 3 3/4 inches tall.
The entire necklace is 20 inches long and is slipped over the
head as it has no clasp. An "S" shaped clasp could be easily
added though... $75.US. (sold)
NAF417. The three silver beads on this strand are low
silver but attractive. They have a diameter of 1 inch or so.
The red beads are glass (slightly deeper in colour than in the
photo). The strand is 16 1/2 inches long but has no closure.
An "S" hook would do the job turning it into a necklace.
$60.US. (sold)
NAF418. This is a gorgeous, complex, Yemeni silver
necklace. I love all of the different parts - and the bells make
a very light tinkling when moving. The complex part is 9 1/2
inches across on the inside with an addition of 7 inches of chain.
It can be closed at different lengths. The central piece is
3 3/8 inches tall. Very impressive when worn. $385.US. 
NAF419. This Yemeni necklace is highly influenced by the
Afghanis. The central pendant makes me immediately think of that
area with Turkoman and other pieces. The pendant is 4 1/2 inches
tall and when you add the chains and bells it is 10 1/2 inches long.
The decorations on it are glass with the smaller ones imitating
coral. The chain is 20 inches long and can be adjusted. The
necklace is very eye catching when worn. $425.US. 
NAF420. This is a very heavy Yemeni necklace though it
has quite a delicate central pendant. The different pieces are
different grades of silver, ranging from sterling quality to coin
silver but they all look good together. The central pendant with
pink glass stones (some missing) looks as if it has been gilded.
The inside of the necklace is 15 1/2 inches around. It does
not have a proper clasp so is currently being opened by a loop in one
piece of the chain. This is quite magnificent. The central
rectangular pendant with next one attached is 5 3/4 inches tall.
$340.US. 
NAF421. Here is a very attractive silver Yemeni necklace.
It is all good silver and will gleam as nicely as you want it to
with polishing. The pieces are all antique and nicely worn, and
very few are perfect. If you look carefully you will see that not
all loops have pendants attached. You can move pieces around to
sit differently if you like, or admit that nothing in this world is
perfect, and keep it as it is... This is exactly how it was
bought originally so these pieces have been together for quite a long
time. The central amulet pendant is 3 1/6 inches across.
Silver beads make up 13 inches of the part going around the neck.
Including the cotton cord it is about 20 inches long, and can be
untied and tied shut again. $385.US. 
NAF422. This Yemeni necklace is made up of different
grades of silver, all with a good colour to them. No two pieces
match exactly as they were put together from a group of pieces.
The red glass beads (a little more red than in the photo)
represent coral. The decorative found pieces have facet red glass
centers. The front pendant including rectangle and amulet pendant
is 3 1/2 inches tall. The necklace is 20 inches around. A
clasp needs to be added to be able to open and shut it. $315.US. 
NAF423. This is a gorgeous Yemeni necklace with
beads of old silver and of newish rich red glass. The decorative
inside of the necklace is 10 inches long and the entire necklace is 18
inches long and can be adjusted to length. This is a good solid
piece ready to wear. $375.US. 
NAF424. This Yemeni necklace needs restringing as it is
in its original form. It is a combination of old silver with
coral coloured glass beads. The central pendant including
rectangle and disc below with dangles is 5 1/2 inches long. The
inside of the necklace is 14 inches across plus cord... $360.US.
NAF425. This Yemeni necklace needs some work.
The main pendant is definitely from Afghanistan or somewhere
close by. It is 3 1/8 inches wide and has a piece that fits
inside to shut it. Right now that piece slips out very easily, it
might be a substitute rather than the original piece, so it could be
abandoned or could have a bit of wrapping to make it fit tight.
If you look carefully at the pendant you will see that the
dangles are uneven. They could be moved for a better balance.
Otherwise there are quite a few good pieces on this necklace that
could be used for another project. $300.US. 
NAF426. Here is a very dramatic solid brass bracelet from
Yemen. It weighs quite a lot - 378 grams so you need some
strength to wield it on your wrist. It is dramatically beautiful
though and is wonderful to examine. This is old, worn, and bumped
around and only the better for its age. The inside of the
bracelet is 2 1/4 inches by 2 1/8 inches with a 1 1/4 inch wide
opening. It is covered with patterns carved and cut into the cast
brass. I have never seen another piece like this. It has
the imagery of some of the Moroccan bracelets and the substance of the
brass from Burkino Faso or the Ivory Coast. $450.US. (sold)
NAF427. This is a magnificent large bracelet
typical of the intricate work of the Jewish silversmiths who moved
across North Africa and into Yemen. The silver bracelet is hollow
and covered with granulation, twisted wired, cut-outs, etc. It
weighs 221 grams, is old, very worn with a few missing cut-outs.
the outside is 5 5/8 inches across and the inside opening 2 7/8
inches across. It is 1 3/8 inches high at the tallest.
$400.US. 
NAF428. You can see a very similar silver bracelet on
page 141 of "A World of Bracelets". This one is a little more
bumped and worn. The author says "Most of these bracelets are
found in Ethiopia and among the Rashaida in Sudan." The bracelet
is 4 3/8 inches across on the outside and 2 3/4 inches across the
inside opening. The widest part of the bracelet is 7/8 inches
high. It weighs 87 grams. $155.US. 
NAF429. This silver bracelet is the same type as the one
above possibly originating in Ethiopia and among the Rashaida in Sudan.
It is 4 inches across on the outside and 2 1/2 inches across the
inside opening. It is 5/8 inch tall when sitting. This
weighs 71 grams. $145.US. 
NAF430. I wish that this dramatic bracelet was made of
sterling grade silver but it is more of a mixed metal instead. It
is a great looking individual piece and heavy too weighing in at 214
grams. The inside measures 2 inches by 1 3/4 inches with a 1 1/8
inch wide opening. $175.US. 
NAF431. This is a simpler version of a couple of the
bracelets above. It is low grade silver, measures 3 5/8 inch
across on the outside and 2 3/8 by 2 5/8 inches across on the inside.
It stands a little over 3/4 inch tall. $70.US. 
NAF432. This is a very interesting bracelet that came out
of Yemen. The silver is low grade but it has been worked a lot
including engraving the inside, where it is nicely worn now. The
bracelet has a hinge to open it, and a lock behind the front
decoration. The bracelet is 2 1/4 inches by 2 1/2 inches across
on the inside. The decoration at the front is 7/8 inch square.
The bracelet weighs 149 grams. $155.US.
NAF433. There are two silver rings here from Yemen.
Ring #1 is size 9. Ring #2 is size 8. $65.US/each. 
NAF434. These two rings are made of low grade siver and
glass facet stones. The glass is richer and darker red than it
appears in the photo. Ring # is size 5.5. Ring #2 is size
7. $35.US/each. 
NAF435. These two rings have great frames to them, with
bands like a fence. They both have dark red glass with dulled
surfaces. Ring #1 is 6.5/7. Ring #2 is 7.5.
$45.US/each.
NAF436. This is a very attractive silver ring with a
complicated pattern on it. A red (it looks orange in the photo)
glass piece represents coral and sits at the top. The ring is a
size 8. $75.US. 
NAF437. This silver ring is a very good grade, size 10.
The silver looks better in real life than in the photo.
$45.US. 
NAF270. Here is
a nice variety of fibulae - #1 is 3 inches tall - $80.US.
#2 is 3 1/2 inches tall - $65.US. #3 is 3 1/2 inches tall
- $155.US. #4 is 2 3/4 inches tall - $66.US. (#3 is available, the rest are sold) 
NAF402.
Here is a variety of Moroccan pendants, some used for
head-pieces and some on clothing or jewellery. Pendant #1 would
need to be hung from the 3 loops on one side (it is sitting upside down
in the photo). One loop still has a silver ring sitting in it.
There is a square of red glass in the middle, and enamelling.
The pendant is 2 inches across. $70.US.
Pendant #2 could be hung by its 3 loops or through the
holes at each side. It is slightly over 2 inches across.
$25.US. The traffic light pendant #3 is 2 3/4 inches tall
with glass of blue, red and green. It is hung from a loop at the
top. $65.US. Pendant #4 has holes on each side for
stringing. From top to bottom including the pendant it measures 2
7/8 inches long. $40.US. Pendant #5 has a
center square of glass which is so dark blue that you can hardly
recognize the colour. It has a hanging loop at the top of the 2
inch pendant. Some of the enamelling is missing but it has a
wonderful grace to it. $75.US.
NAF403. There are two very old Moroccan enamelled
pendants here. Pendant #1 is quite complex with two little
decorative towers on each side of the square red glass cabochon.
There is a round red cabochon below and 3 coins swinging below.
The entire piece is 3 3/4 inches tall and can be strung through
an opening running across the top. It can take a wide cord.
$160.US. The second pendant - #2 is far more simple
though very nicely enamelled. It has a square glass cabochon in
the middle and can be strung with an opening running across the top.
The back is quite beat up from age, but the front remains quite
perfect. $100.US.
NAF404. There are three very different "infinity"
pendants from Morocco here. These carry a symbolic statement
about mankind. Pendant #1 is 2 1/2 inches tall - $35.US.
Pendant #2 is 2 1/2 inches tall - $40.US. Pendant #3 is the
oldest of the three and 2 7/8 inches tall - $75.US.
NAF405. This five strand necklace of good coral is
more attractive and redder than the photo shows. I have an
impossible time getting the colours of coral, or of red, or dark blue
corrected properly. This was strung together in Morocco of
Nigerian coral with a button and loop closing. The coral part of
the necklace has 5 strands of 15 1/2 inches each. (77 1/2 inches
total). The necklace itself (including cord) is 18 1/2 inches
long. $600.US.
NAF406. Here are two of the typical Moroccan "egg"
pendants, often used as central pieces between a pair of fibulae.
The beading hole goes across the beads, and coin dangles hang
below. These are vintage pieces, not antiques but are
energetically made and very attractive. The coins are old though.
Bead #1 is 1 3/8 inches across and 3 inches from top to bottom of
pendants. $85.US. (40.7 grams) Bead #2 is enamelled with green but just has a minor amount of the contrasting colour remaining. $85.US. (38 grams) 
NAF276. There are three antique, well worn, beautiful silver
enamelled silver beads from Morocco. They are often worn as the
central bead of a necklace or hanging on chains between two fibula.
Bead #1 is quite heavy and sturdy (35.6 grams). It had a
thick design soldered onto it and now is worn to a smoother finish
which I like very much. The bead is 1 3/4 inches long.
$145.US. Bead #2 is small and sweet - it is the most
worn but remarkably it still has a good finish on the enamelling. The
bead is just under 1 1/2 inches long and weighs 12.7 grams.
$45.US. (#2 is sold)
Bead #3 is the largest of the three. It is 2 1/8 inches long, has
a central hole for stringing as well as three loops for hanging
dangles, etc. from. It is very well worn with more than
half of the enamelling missing. It has a rich look with the
colours of silver and other bits of colours showing in places... it
weighs 30.3 grams. $165.US. I see many newer versions of
these that don't look particularly interesting - while the old ones
seem to hold history inside themselves. (#3 is available)
NAF296. This piece measures 20 1/2 inches long. It
is a combination of 2 fibulae (they have coral placed in the silver
openings and the remains of enamel in green and orange in the dips of
the design) with chains attaching them to beads. It is rather
small and delicate and would work very nicely in a very decorative way
on a sweater. It is silver, and it is antique though I imagine
the pieces have been attached in a new combination than in the past as
the spring rings seem to be newer than the main pieces. $110.US. 
NAF299. There is an interesting group of Moroccan/Berber
pendants here. Pendant #1 has been cast and has a stringing hole
across the top as well as across the bottom. It has been
enamelled with the typical colours but much of that has been worn off.
The central cabochon is a round piece of red glass. The
pendant is 2 1/4 inches tall. $66.US. Pendant #2 is
fabricated from a thick sheet of cast silver soldered with wire.
There are stringing holes across the top as well as across the
bottom. The upper round cabochon is dark red, and the lower oval
one is dark green. The piece is 2 1/8 inches tall. $90.US.
Pendant #3 is made of sheet silver with wire, enameling and a
square red facet glass stone. There are hanging loops on each
side as well as at the top. The piece is 1 5/8 inches tall.
$60.US. Pendant #4 is a typical pendant made of sheet
silver and nielloed with black. The square cabochon is bright
red. The pendant is 2 1/4 inches tall. $56.US. (#1, #3 & #4 are sold. #2 is available)
NAF303. Here are two of the typical Berber beads used in
necklaces or as a center bead in a chain connected to two fibulae.
The beads are around a hundred years old and most of their
enamelling has been worn off over the years. Bead #1 has coins
hanging from it - 50cent Spanish coins from the last quarter of the
1800s. The bead is 1 3/8 inches across. The coins are a
little under 3/4 inch across. $280.US. Bead #2 is smaller
and smoothly worn in places. It measures 1 1/8 inches across with
a diameter of 1 inch. $115.US. (#1 is available)
NAF306. This is an enamelled silver bracelet, set
with red glass and having four coins hanging from it - from Morocco.
The bracelet opens with a pin so that it can be put on and taken
off easily. This is a good heavy piece (more modern pieces tend
to have thin silver and bend easily) and is 1 1/4 inches tall, and 2
1/4 inches by 2 1/8 inches on the inside. It needs polishing very
badly as it hasn't been cleaned for many years. It will gleam
beautifully if it is looked after. $345.US. 
NAF308. This is a strong minded Moroccan necklace made
mostly of shells which have been tied together, one at a time, around a
cord. The central part is two shell slices (1 3/8 inches in
diameter), a dark piece that I don't quite recognize, and 3 brass
bells. The necklace is 21 inches around and shuts at the back
with a beaded button and loop. This is an eye catching and
natural looking piece. $355.US. 
NAF309. This is not a typical stringing from Morocco but
a contemporary version. It has 15 1/2 inches of antique Venetian
trade beads shut with a loop and a button. The pendant is very
traditional silver with enamelling measuring 3 inches in height.
Ready to wear. $295.US. 
NAF314. Pendants like this are often worn attached to
earrings, or stitched onto a head-band. This is old and
interesting and came from an old collection. The knob one one
side of the central part is missing, leaving an opening that one can
string through. The other knob has a loop at the back so you
could use those two elements to suspend this piece. The center
dangle below has one side clipped. It is still a good and
attractive piece with the original enamelling and a square red stone
set into the middle. This measures 3 3/8 inches from top to
bottom. $95.US.
NAF318. #1 is a Dra'aa Valley fibula from the Atlas
Mountains of Morocco. 3 7/8 inches tall - $62.US. Numbers
2 through 4 of the fibulae are from the Dades Valley of the Atlas
Mountains of Morocco. #2 is 4 5/8 inches tall - $68.US. #3
is 5 inches tall - $105.US. #4 is 5 inches tall - $110.US.
#5 is from the Western Atlas Mountains - just under 3 1/4 inches
tall - $55.US. (#1 is sold, the others are available)
NAF322. This is the heaviest Mauritanian ankle
bracelet (khalkhal) that I have had - it weighs in at 105 grams of good
silver. Because of its size it makes a great wrist bracelet
though - it measures 2 3/8 by 1 3/4 inches on the inside and the
opening is 1 inch wide. The anklets were worn to dispel evil
spirits, to walk safely as well as to look attractive. These were
originally worn by the noble women but there are versions now for
everyone. This is an authentic antique piece (modern ones are
being made and sold as antique at times) and has been banged around a
few times which gives it the look of age. The intricate
decorative rectangle is 1 3/8 by 1 3/16 inches and the solid silver
balls at the back are 3/4 inch in diameter. See page 35 of "A
World of Bracelets". $550.US. 
NAF324. These earrings are 2 3/4 inches tall, made with
nicely zig-zagged dangles. The earwires are just slightly thicker
than the average modern styles. $110.US (sold)
NAF325. There are two very small fibulae here. #1
is 2 1/4 inches tall and includes a spotted silver bead. $75.US.
#2 is 2 1/4 inches tall. $65.US. 
NAF326. Here are three delicate, nicely cut antique
Moroccan rings. Ring #1 is a size 10, Ring #2 is a size 6.5, and
Ring #3 is size 5. $65.US/each (#1 & #2 are sold, #3 is available)
NAF327.
These strands of agate beads (the beads that look like coral are
glass) with silver additions are from Yemen, including very attractive
amulets. Strand #1 has 25 inches of beads plus a 2 inch long
amulet pendant. Strand #2 has 26 inches of beads plus a 2 1/4
inch long amulet pendant. $220.US/each strand (#1 is available, #2 is sold)
NAF328.
This is a gorgeous pair of silver and enamel fibulae attached
with chain. Each fibula measures 7 1/2 inches long and is nicely
hammered with designs, studded with silver domes, decorated with square
glass stones and burnished with time. These are antique, not
modern reproduction. The thick chain between them is 13 inches
long. This is an excellent example. $685.US. 
NAF329. The large antique enamelled "egg" pendant is 1 3/4
inches across with a hanging loop at the top. It has large holes from
end to end as well. - $95.US. The small "egg"
pendant is 1 3/8 inches across, antique and although it has been bumped
around with one end a little flattened - it still has a good shape and an attractive amount of green
enamel remaining. The holes go from end to end. - $65.US. 
NAF332. These are all interesting antique pendants made
with good silver and enamelling. #1 is 1 7/8 inches tall and 2
1/8 inches wide. There are hanging loops at each side and at the
top - $45.US., #2 is quite unusual, a fairly simple but
distinctive pendant 1 3/4 inches tall - $30.US., #3 has a ridge
at the top for stringing, as well as two hanging loops at the bottom.
The enamel is in good condition. The pendant is a little
over 1 3/4 inches tall - $75.US. (all are sold)
NAF334. There are four antique silver enamelled pendants
here. #1 is 1 3/4 inches tall and a hole at the top and the
bottom. - $38.US., #2 is 3 inches tall with a hole at the top
and the bottom. - $42.US., #3 is 2 5/8 inches tall with a
hanging ring at the top. - $35.US., #4 is 1 1/3 inches tall with
a folded part at the top to use for hanging. - $45.US. (#3 is available, the others are sold)
NAF339. Here are two antique hair ornaments which look
great as pendants on a necklace that makes a strong statement.
They were used in Morocco by "attaching them to the end of plaits
in the Akka oasis or were hung on the temples in Agadir. They
were filled with perfumed wool to arouse the senses." (see page
265 of A World of Head Ornaments). The pieces are enamelled and
the ring part averages 7/8 inch across - they are slightly different
sizes. The entire pieces from back to front are 2 3/8 and 2 1/2
inches across. They are made of sterling grade silver and could
be polished up if you like. They have simply sat like this in a
display case for over ten years. $250.US/pair.
NAF340. This is a fairly simple pair of antique Moroccan
earrings set with glass cabochons, enamelled in the traditional yellow
& green, and hung with coins. The entire pieces from top of
earwire to bottom of coins is 3 3/8 inches. They could be
polished for the silver to shine if you like. If you plan on
wearing these you need a larger than average earhole.
$95.US. (sold)
NAF341. This Tuareg kohl applicator is made of brass with
balls of silver and copper decorating it. This is a solid piece
with a strong hanging pendant. The background is covered with a
design of tiny lines on it. 4 7/8 inches tall.
$95.US. (sold)
NAF342.
There are two Mauritanian magical chart rings illustrated here.
The letters/numbers combine in magical ways to protect the wearer
and to bring good fortune. They are quite mysterious. Ring
#1 is a size 11. $155.US. Ring #2 is a size 10.5.
$175.US. (both are sold)
NAF343. The largest of these three aluminum decorations
cut in the same way as shells is 1 3/8 inches long. $55.US/group
of three (sold)
NAF344. This group of cast silver pieces cut like shells
is $85.US. The small ones are 3/4 inch in diameter, the
large one is only slightly larger. (sold)
NAF345. This is a varied group of antique cut shell
beads/applications from Morocco. The pieces are $24.US each.
NAF346. Pendant #1 is 1 3/4 inches tall - $80.US.
Pendant #2 is 2 1/8 inches tall - $78.US. Pendant #3 is 1 5/8
inches tall - $64.US.
NAF347. Pendant #1 is 2 1/4 inches tall - $103.US.
Pendant #2 is 2 1/8 inches tall - $94.US. Pendant #3 is 2 3/8
inches tall - $78.US. Pendant #4 is 2 1/8 inches tall - $56.US. (#2 is sold)
NAF348. This antique pendant is 3 1/2 inches tall,
centered with a red glass stone and nicely enamelled. $150.US.
NAF349. This is a very attractive silver pendant made of
two tools with glass cabochons attached. The entire piece is 3
5/8 inches long. $65.US.
NAF350. Moroccan cross #1 is 2 inches tall - $135.US.
cross #2 is 2 3/8 inches tall - $135.US. cross #3 is 1
7/8 inches tall - $72.US. (#3 is sold)
NAF351. This is a rather wonderful large looped chain
with an enamelled pendant attached. The chain has a section that
is 20 inches long, and then a shorter pendant chain which is 4 inches
long. At the top of the pendant on the back is a hook.
I imagine it was once used like a buckle. $185.US.
NAF352. These pendants are $45.US/each. (#3
is 2 3/4 inches tall, you can compare the others to that one.) (#2 & #3 are available, the others are sold)
NAF353. Both of these khamsas are old. Khamsa #1 is
2 3/8 inches tall, nicely cut with an attached hanging loop.
$45.US. Khamsa #2 is cut from a flat sheet of silver which
has been decorated all over. When you look at the back of the
stringing hole you will see that it was punched through, and silver is
folded back behind. The piece is 3 1/4 inches tall. $65.US. (both are sold)
NAF354. Here are two antique, nicely worn pendants.
Pendant #1 is 2 1/4 inches tall. Pendant #2 is 2 1/8
inches tall. $130.US/each.
NAF355. Pair of antique silver Moroccan hair ornaments.
The pieces measure 2 1/8 inch in length from end of loop to end
of bead. They are sold as a pair. $110.US.
NAF356. This antique amulet is from Mauritania. It
is made of copper in the front and a white metal in the back. It
is attractive and ready to string up and wear. This is 2 1/8 inches tall including stringing loops. $65.US.
NAF357. There are four antique Tuareg crosses here. Cross
#1 is 2 1/2 inches tall - $65.US. Cross #2 is 3 5/8 inches tall
- $80.US. Cross #3 is 3 3/8 inches tall - $100.US.
Cross #4 is 3 1/8 inches tall - $104.US. (sold)
NAF358. This is a very attractive antique Tuareg cross, 3 1/8
inches tall. It has been worn, and the pattern is lightly
softened from wear. $115.US.
NAF359. You can see a similar piece on page 189 of
"Africa Adorned" by Angela Fisher. It hangs over a rectangle of
leather with straps atached to make a necklace. These were worn
by Bella women in northern Nigeria on the Savannah of Africa. I
have never had these decorative pieces in the past so was happy to have
them identified (the item below as well). This piece is 3 inches
tall and is made of silver but could use a good cleaning.
Everything is flat excelt for the knob at the bottom.
$85.US. (sold)
NAF360. This is the same type of piece as NAF359 above -
you can read the description there. This piece is much smaller
though at 2 1/3 inches in length. One little tab at the bottom is
turned up. I don't recommend folding it down unless it was heated
as the silver might just crack and break. $65.US. (sold)
NAF361. I have a single fibula here - it losts its other
half years ago, but is an old and beautiful piece on its own as well.
I have had customers use them as dramatic pendants. The
fibula is antique, very nicely made with the tiny spots making the
design, and the artistry altogether. The fibula is 7 inches long
and 3 3/4 inches wide at the bottom of the triangular section.
$300.US.
NAF362. Similar antique silver bracelets from Mauritania
are illustrated on page 34 of "a World of Bracelets". These
imitate the designs made by henna. They are pulled open and when
pressed tightly closed they are quite firmly shut. Some people
like to knot through the holes at the closing though, just in case a
bracelet might accidentally get caught on something and be lost.
Bracelet #1 is 2 1/5 inches in diameter on the inside. $160.US.
Bracelet #2 is a little smaller and 2 inches in diameter on the
inside. $140.US. (both sold)
NAF363. This pair of antique silver Tuareg earrings needs
earholes a little wider than average. They hang beautifully, aged
very nicely, and are 2 1/5 inches tall. $75.US. (sold)
NAF364. This is a perfect little Tiznit Morocco enamelled ring in a size 8. $85.US. 
NAF365. This is a famous style of a silver niello
bracelet from Morocco (Anti-Atlas). You can see varieties of this
on page 20 of "a World of Bracelets". This is a beautifully made
antique piece where you can see the constant hammer marks on the inside
of the bracelet. This was made for a round wrist, not a flat one.
The inside is 2 1/8 inch in diameter. A wrist close to that
size would be perfect. The opening is 1 inch across but can
stretch a little while the bracelet is being pulled on. $340.US.
NAF366. Here are three antique silver pendants from
Morocco. #1 is 2 inches tall. $35.US. #2 is 4
inches long. $95.US. #3 is 2 1/4 inches long. $75.US. (all are sold)
NAF367. There are two shell buttons here to be sold
together. The one has usable stringing holes, and the other has
holes that are worn through. They are worn so smoothly that they
are just beautiful sitting in my hand. The larger one has a
diameter of 1 inch. $18.US.
NAF368. This is the first wood spindle whorl that I have
had. The spindle is a Berber piece coming from Morocco, It
is a richly coloured wood that has been toned darker over time and use.
The patterns cut into the flat part are very attractive,
especially after the softening of wear. This is 2 1/4 inches in
diameter and a little over 1 inch tall. It would be an impressive
pendant on a necklace. $60.US. 
NAF370. This is a pair of Kabylie (Berber) silver
earrings originating from the north of Algeria. The earrings are
1 3/8 inch across. $70.US. 
NAF371. Group of silver Moroccan pendants averaging a little over 1 1/4 inches tall. $75.US. (sold) 
NAF372. These spiral "infinity" pendants average 2 1/2
inches tall. #2 is $75.US. The rest are $60.US each. (#1, #5 & #6 are sold)
NAF373. These antique silver pendants are from Morocco and
ready to be centerpieces on a necklace. #4 is 2 1/8 inches tall -
you can compare the others to that one to determine their size.
#1, #4, #5 & #6 are are $45.US each. #2 & #3 are $40.US
each. 
NAF374. Moroccan pendants. #1 - $22.US. #2 -
$28.US. #3 - $28.US. #4 - $30.US. #5 - $30.US.
#6 - $30.US. #7 - $40.US. (#6 is 1 5/8 inches tall
- you can compare that to the others).
NAF375. This is a very attractive antique silver khamsa
(protective hand) pendant - 2 1/16 inches tall. $65.US. (sold) 
NAF376. This antique silver Tuareg cross is 3 1/2 inches
tall. It could use some buffing to bring some life to it.
It also has some scotch tape on the back which needs careful
cleaning off. $85.US. 
NAF377. Here is a more complex Tuareg cross measuring
slightly over 2 1/2 inches tall. The silver piece in the center
actually stands up about 1/5 inch tall. The two hanging looks at
the sides of the bottom part are quite worn from the years gone by, but
are still useable - carefully. $105.US. 
NAF378. These two coin pendants are $45.US each. #1
is soldered so that the pendant is permanently fastened to the
coin (1 5/8 inches tall) but the coin on #2 can be turned to
straighten or push it to an angle as it is in the photo. 
NAF379. These silver coin pendants (actual coins) have
come out of Morocco. The coins measure 1 1/4 inches in diameter.
The entire piece of #1 is 2 1/4 inches tall. #1 & #2
are $75.US each. #3 & #4 are $70.US each. 
NAF380. These conical pendants (most have their bottoms
soldered shut) are sold as a group. The longest is slightly over
1 1/4 inches tall. $40.US. 
NAF381. This 1 3/8 inch tall silver pendant has magic writing on both sides. $65.US. (sold)
NAF382. This fibula has a mix of silver and bronze in it
to give it a rather warm colour. It is 5 inches tall.
$115.US.
NAF383. Antique silver Moroccan bracelet with an inner diameter of 2 1/4 inches across. $125.US. (sold) 
NAF385. There is a single enamelled Moroccan pendant
here, centered with a green glass facet stone. It is 2 3/8 inches
from side to side. $50.US. 
NAF386. Pendant #1 1 5/8 inches tall - $65.US. Pendant #2 - 1 3/4 inches tall - $65.US. (#1 is sold, #2 is available)
NAF387. This enamelled Berber silver egg is meant to be
the centerpiece in a neck-piece including a pair of fibula. It is
a great pendant on its own though with a stringing hole going across
it. The bead is about 1 1/2 inches wide. When hanging with
pendants extended the entire piece is 3 inches tall.
$125.US. 
NAF389. Moroccan silver crosses - these are quite heavy
& ornate. #1 is 1 3/4 inches tall - $75.US. #2 is
1 5/8 inches tall - $70.US. (#1 is sold, #2 is available) 
NAF390. Small Moroccan silver crosses - #1 is under an
inch tall - $28.US. #2 is just under 1 3/8 inches tall - $65.US.
#3 is just over 1 1/4 inches tall - $65.US.
NAF391. This graceful antique silver Koranic pendant has
writing on both sides. It is 2 1/4 inches across at the widest.
$110.US. (sold)
NAF392. Berber silver antique hair ornament. (it weighs 92.3 grams) $245.US. 
NAF393. Pendant #1 is 2 3/4 inches tall - $42.US. Pendant #2 is just under 3 inches tall - $46.US. 
NAF394. This is a fat, double sided earring piece missing
pendants or ear hook. It makes a great pendant. It is just
under 1 1/2 inches tall. $38.US.
NAF395. This 1 1/4 inch tall silver pendant has writing hammered into it. $35.US. 
NAF396. This group of pendants is sold as a group
for $75.US. The central pendant in the preview photo is 1
7/16 inches tall. 
NAF397. This group of pendants (some are coins) is sold as
a group for $55.US. The one on the left of the preview
photo is 7/8 inches tall.
NAF398. Tuareg ring size 7.5 - $65.US.
NAF399. Here is a quite heavy Tuareg cross that has been
decorated with layers of wood fastened with silver discs. The
cross is 2 1/2 inches tall and is silver but not sterling quality.
$175.US. 
NAF400. These traditional Moroccan earrings have natural
coral embelleshing. They measure about 3 inches tall. The
untraditional part is that someone has soldered on earwires so that
they can be worn with average american or european earholes. They
can be used or can quite easily be cut off and filed away as if they
had never been added. $185.US. 
NAF401. These coral beads are much richer in colour than
the photo shows. It is very difficult for me to get coral images
the correct colour. There is a little over 23 grams.
$165.US. 
NAF221. Here are three
Moroccan fibulae from the Dra'aa Valley (page 28 of "A World of Necklaces".
They represent turtles and different designs represent different regions
of the country. #1 is 3 3/8 inches tall - $125.US. #2 is
3 1/8 inches tall - $120.US. #3 is 3 1/2 inches tall - $130.US.
(#1 is available)
