PLEASE CLICK ON THE SMALL PICTURES TO SEE THE ITEMS IN FULL....
  NAF247.   This is an absolutely gorgeous and unusual old Mauritanian prayer box, on a nicely made chain.  The piece is more than 50 years old and shows a little wear here and there.  The nail on the top left hand corner is a little loose and moves around, but it is well placed and will not fall out.   The 18 inch long chain has wear from use, but will still hold strong for a long time.  It has a clasp on it.  The box itself is 2 3/4 inches by 2 7/8 inches and the nails in it stand tall.  Magical words must be folded inside protecting the wearer.  This is very collectible as well as wearable.   $350.US.   (sold)
   NAF268.  This rough old Moroccan cross measures 2 1/2 inches from top to bottom - $80.US.    (sold)
   NAF269.   These small old Moroccan crosses average about 1 1/2 inches in height.  They are $45.US/each.   (#3 & #5 are sold)
   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.
   NAF271.   This is a very old Moroccan hairpiece with a coin (1321) attached.  It could be used as a very extended ring or hung as a pendant.  It measures 4 1/4 inches long, and the ring size is an 8.5.   $125.US.
   NAF272.   This is a great new Tuareg ring and I wish that it was in my size.  This is made in a traditional way with great skill.  It is a size 10.5 or so - $75.US.
   NAF273.   These are both new Tuareg rings but they follow old tradition.  Ring #1 has a piece of cut glass in it, the colour of carnelian.  Size 9.5 - $75.US.   Ring #2 is a thick slice of silver decorated on all sides.  It has a very unusual look to it.  Size 7.5 - $75.US.   (both sold)
   NAF274.   This is a great enamelled (though much is worn off over the years) Moroccan bead with a hanging loop at each end.  It is often the central focus point of of a pair of fibulae, attached together with chains or cord.  It measures 3 1/4 inches in length including hanging loops and is about 2 1/8 inch in diameter.  Quite wonderful in its detail and colouring.  It is good and old and much used.  $220.US.
   NAF275.   Here are two Yemeni strands with nice striped agate beads, imitation coral (glass), and silver.  The bead strands are about 26 inches long.  Amulet #1 is 2 inches wide.  Amulet #2 is 2 1/4 inches wide.  $220.US/each strand.
  NAF257.   This is a fat, robust, well coloured strand of synthetic amber - similar to what has been worn in Morocco and areas close by for hundreds of years.  The synthetic beads have been made for over a century because amber was very important and there was never enough of it in these good sized shapes.  The strand is just under 20 inches long and the beads average about 7/8 inch in diameter.  Silver beads or a good old pendant would look great with these beads.  The real amber is expensive enough now, that I only occasionally have it for sale.   $250.US.
  NAF258.   This is a charming Moroccan necklace which sits very well with the three khamsas pointing in different directions.  The necklace is 22 inches long and made of good old coral beads and sterling quality silver.  The khamsas have been decorated with the niello technique and each, from top of hanging loop to bottom are 2 3/8 inches long.  Personally I like shorter necklaces, cradling the base of my neck, so I would remove the two long beads, add a few spacers at the back and restring it, using the long teardrop shaped beads for another project.  This necklace makes a clear and attractive statement.   $650.US.

  NAF262.   Two simple silver Yemeni necklaces.  The amulet of #1 is 2 3/4 inches across and the entire strand is 24 1/2 inches long.  The amulet of #2 is 2 7/8 inches long and the entire strand is 25 inches long.    $85.US/each   (#2 is sold)
  NAF263.   Here are three strands of Yemeni black coral prayer beads.  They have been embedded in various designs with bits of metal wire.  It is difficult to tell exactly what metal it is, probably debased silver.  These are old beads and some show some true wear - all attractive and a pleasure that they have been handled and loved in the past.  I see many fakes but these are very much the real item.   Strand #1 is 22 inches long and ends with a 3/4 inch long bead of imitation amber.  The strand has real coral on it along with the amber made of resin.  $145.US.    Strand #2 is 20 inches long and has a central pendant a little more than 1 1/2 inches long.  This has two resin beads at the back and one pale coral at the front.   $145.US.   Strand #3 is 20 inches long with a 2 1/8 inch long central pendant.  This has two rather attractive resin beads at the back.   $145.US.   (all sold)
  NAF265.   This strand of coral was bought in Morocco.  It is on a black string which has been knotted between beads, and closes with a button and loop.  The necklace is a little over 24 inches long.   $435.US.
   NAF266.   Here is a beautiful "amber" necklace ready to wear.  This is called "amber" in North Africa and has all of the importance of natural amber but is in reality simulated and made from a resin.  These beads are old, have been worn and are hugely attractive.  There are 11 carved pieces of shell separating some of the beads.  This necklace was bought in Morocco, is shut with a sterling silver clasp and measures 18 1/2 inches in length.  The wides bead is 1 7/8 inch in diameter.  $850.US.
   NAF267.   This is an interesting collection of "fake" amber which was collected over time by an African bead dealer who I know.  They are all made from some sort of plastic or resin, but are coloured in very true shades of amber with some having streaks of colour and striations.  It is a very attractive collection and I think would look just great in its current order with enough silver beads added around the back to make it a necklace.  Everyone has their own visions though.  There are about 9 inches of beads with the fattest one being slightly over 1 1/4 inches in diameter.  The one with the cross-hole going through it is 1 3/8 inches long.  I love the warm feel of these beads.   $325.US.
  NAF251.   Here is an antique pendant from Morocco - shaped like a perfume container.  It has a few little holes in the side, so perhaps one drops some liquid perfume into it for an essence which protects the wearer.  This is 4 1/8 inches long.   $145.US.
  NAF253.   This is an absolutely gorgeous, unusual, and fascinating pair of fibulae with the chain and central bead - exactly as it was worn for many years.  The fibulae are just over 4 inches long, and the entire piece is 27 inches long.  Fastened into a sturdy sweater or jacket, it fall beautifully with a central bead 1 1/4 inches in diameter.  This is both collectible and wearable and gleaming with a very good silver.  $775.US.
  NAF256.  These Moroccan coins, made to hang on neckpieces, head-dresses, etc. are $24.US each except for #4 which is $34.US.  Coin #1 is just over 1 5/8 inches tall including loop.   (#2, #4, #5, #6 & #10 are available)
  NAF218.   Dangling charms and endless circles - - Amazigh (often referred to as Berber) pendant measuring 5 1/2 inches from top of loop to bottom of pendants.  $125.US.   (sold)
  NAF220.   These two matching fibulae are very much like the pair on page 19 of "A World of Necklaces".  When worn traditionally, a chain and central bead or pendant would join the two together.  The fibulae themselves buckle into the fabric of a cloak or jacket.  These pieces are 8 inches long and 4 1/4 inches long at their widest.  In the book it says "Northern Africa was colonized by Rome very early on, and has kept the use and shape of antique jewellery.  The triangle symbolizes the female sex."  $325.US/the pair.   (sold)
  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.   (#2 is sold)

  NAF226.   The Tuareg make very attractive, very assertive jewellery.  This bracelet was made to fit a young person, but for an adult, would be a great pendant on an impressive necklace.  It weighs 158.5 grams, is formed from a single piece of silver, and has been flared out and then hammered with dramatic designs.  The inside measures a little over 1 5/8 inches across, the outside measures 2 3/4 inches across at the widest.  According to "A World of Bracelets" (page 37) "A Targuia woman appreciates beautiful silver jewellery with simple designs and geometric forms.  The weight of these sold elkez bracelets and matching earrings indicates that they also function as reserve funds.  Most of the ornaments of the Sahara are made by melting down ancient coins."   $255.US.
  NAF227.   I have three pairs of these earrings for sale.  They are brand new, but made in Morocco with all the tradition that is possible.  The earrings look a little clumsy because I am just laying them down on the scanner - normally the dangles would hang nicely instead.  From top to bottom they hang 2 inches down - sterling silver and good old coral has been used, and real enameling as well.  I am very impressed by these earrings and do love the way that they feel with dangles swinging as I walk.  $95.US/each pair.   (all sold)
   NAF232.   Thin sliced silver Tuareg crosses/pendants, about 3 5/8 inches tall...   $75.US/each.   (#2 is available)
   NAF236.   String of 74 silver holed discs bought in Morocco, having been bound onto a cord for wearing.  Each disc is about 5/8 inch in diameter and the holes are over 1/8 inch across.   $250.US.
NAF239.   This is an unusual pair of Moroccan fibulae.  They are a good size - measuring 12 inches in length from top of pin to bottom of pendants.  I haven't seen any like this before.  The pieces are made of bronze, not silver and some of the metal on the decorated part is machine made, not hand wrought.  It is difficult to pin down the age of this, but I would think it is around 30 to 50 years old or so.  The pin part has been worn just a little, and the enamelling has been exposed a bit.  The decorated part is thick like a pillow and held in place with brass/bronze triangular slices.  Like I said before, they are quite distinct in style.    $425.US/for the pair.
   NAF242.   Here is one small pendant that would have been used on a fabric piece worn on the head.  It has holes in the sides to sew it on, but they can also be used to attach this piece as a central pendant on a necklace.  The enamelling is still undamaged and colourful.  The piece measures 3 1/8 inches from top to bottom.  $35.US.
   NAF243.   Here are four antique pendants that would have been sewn onto a headpiece.  They each have a central slice of square (squarish?) glass, and some remainder of their original enamelling.  They are all charming, though none are in perfect condition.  They do speak their age.  They all have holes on their sides and could be worn as central pendants on necklaces, or they could be made into pins.  #4 has a missing silver knob on the right side, but holds together fine.  They average 3 3/4 inches in length.  These are bargain priced at $45.US/each.
   NAF246.   Here is another brand new piece.  It is attractive though, and reflects tradition.  The pendant is quite long - 5 1/8 inches tall, and slightly crudely made compared to the antique ones.  The design and patterning are traditional though, and it is signed on the back by the maker.  Most of the beads are glass and generally from India and from Czechoslovakia.  The amber looking beads are attractive imitations.  There are a few sterling silver spacers from India as well.  The piece can be tied shut to be worn.  $75.US.
   NAF247.  I rarely see beautiful old Tuareg rings like this anymore.  There are many which are much more modern available.  This is decorated on each side with great delicacy.  This is a size 7 1/2 and is very perfect.   $75.US.   (sold)
NAF245.   This is a marvellous piece.  This is a Tuareg lock which comes from the last half of the 1900s.  A mechanically minded friend opened this for me and we found that there are 3 steps involved.  (I was originally told there were seven, but three is tricky enough)  It will be a challenge to the buyer to figure it out themselves.  At first I thought that it was a lock to hold something closed, but looking carefully, I believe it is a container and the items within the container are locked away - as in a spiritual talisman.  This is used on camel saddle bags as a talismanic lock - sometimes dangles, yarn or decorations are hung from it.  Amazingly this piece is made of silver and I think that  it could be an attractive decorative item to wear.  The three "keys" are sitting on a separate pendant and two of them are the same shape as veil hangers - decorative pieces attached to the back of a veil to keep it from blowing up with the desert winds.  It would be quite an idea if one person were to wear the lock, and that the person who was most important to them could wear the keys.  I have no idea if that would have happened but it is an idea that resounds with me.  This is quite heavy, and 5 1/4 inches across, and 3 1/4 inches tall.  The lock weighs 176 grams and the keys weigh 29.  I polished this just a little and it gleams very much when shone up (I just use a soft cloth with jeweller's rouge, and then a soft clean cloth) - the surface is a little yellowed but cleans nice and bright.  I do think that this is just an amazing item.   $435.US.  (sold)
  NAF206.   Pair of heavy silver antique fibulae, measuring 6 1/2 inches long.  They show old wear that makes them more attractive.  They are not exactly the same size but are close enough to be a matched pair.  Nicely there is a bit of a pattern hammered onto the loop that helps to fasten the pin into one's cloak or clothing.  It is a nice touch.  $285.US/pair.
  NAF207.   Amazing delicate, graceful antique silver fibulae complete with chains, coin decorations, and delicate central pendant.  The entire length (unfolded) is 21 1/2 inches.  $475.US.
   NAF188.   This is a great pair of old, worn fibulae made of very old silver Moroccan coins - unfortunately the dates are covered with silver so I can't read the years.   They have been used quite a bit and show appealing wear on them.  You can see that a chain had been attached but can only wonder what it contained.  The coins themselves 2 3/8 inches across.  The pins on the pendants are different in length as one must have broken over the years and been resharpened at a shorter length.  One is 5 3/4 inches long, and the other is 5 inches long. They match very nicely though and are full of character.  $145.US.
   NAF199.   Well, I am very fond of very many items from North Africa.  This is a nicely matching pair of  lovely good silver fibulae worn very proundly by Berber women.  According to page 242 of Africa Adorned "The various groups of Ait Hadiddu women are distinguished by the design and colour of the stripes on their woollen capes and the type of fibula they wear.  These often represent animals believed to have magical properties."  These fibulae are illustrated there and represent the jackal's paw "dar-n-ouchen" and are worn in the eastern regions.  The pieces are 5 7/8 inches long and the two weigh about 7.1 ounces.  $295.US/for the pair.

	NAF164.   Antique Moroccan pendants.  Priced by weight - prices are on the enlargement ranging from $18. to $42.US. (#3 and #6 are available)
	NAF133.    I love the sound that shell makes when it is clinked together.  Very similar to glass.  These old carved pendants each have two stringing holes and would be great mixed with colourful beads of glass, stone or other materials.  The largest pendant is just under 1 3/4 inches tall - they all have great tactile qualities and a creamy colour.  Some are dirtied from long wear.  Bought in Morocco.  prices on scan  (A & B are sold)
	NAF137.   This is a fairly simple silver bracelet from Mauritania.  Decorated with engraved designs meant as protections for the wearer, this bracelet has also been detailed with depressed circles giving it an intersting look  The back closing has been defined with two sold silver knobs.  The bracelet measures 2 3/8 inches by 1 1/2 inches on the inside  - $135.US.
	NAF138.   This is a new silver ring set with a slice of a collectible antique 7-layer Venetian chevron bead - dating from the 1700s.  With a little bit of wear and the ensuing patination this ring will develop the look of an antique piece.  It's large - about a size 9, and quite heavy - 28 grams.  The diameter of the decorative shape on the front is just under 7/8 inches  - $145.US.
	NAF140.    These two Mauritanian pendants are unusual in style and detail - both radically different, they still share a dense detailed intricate adornment.  The cross measures 1 5//8 inches from side to side and is 5/8 inch high at the center cone.  Patterned with tiny dimples, the five "fingers" of the cross are constructed from finely wound wire.  Early 20th century.  This is an amazing domes pendant, similar in style to the fragile, thin shelled Mauritanian beads one finds less and less these days.  7/8 inch in diameter, it is 5/8 inch high.  This is decorated with tiny silver dimples and fine twisted wire.  Nicely worn and patinated to a dark finish that allows the silver of the polished parts to really gleam.   Mauritanian silver "cross" pendant A - $85.US (sold).  Mauritanian silver breast shaped pendant B - $48.US.
	NAF112.   Three intriguing Moroccan pieces are illustrated here.  The first is a silver lost wax casting of a creature - is it a salamander or lizard with special healing powers as well as the ability to predict the future?  Slightly over 2 inches long it has two stringing holes on either side of its body.  You can do something inventive with this.  $30.US.  The second piece is a Moroccan "wedding pendant".  It needs to be surrounded by beads.  This silver piece has been cast and engraved and decorated with spots of red and blue enamel.  2 1/2 inches long.  $45.US   The third piece is one I haven't seen before.  It is constructed like a purse or basket, fabricated with sheet silver and decorated with wire, silver balls (one is missing) and had once been coloured (only the traces are left).  It is open at the bottom and has some sort of organic (talismanic) substance inside.  $48.US.  (only the salamander #1 is remaining)
	NAF121.   This bracelet is a cruder version of the more fanciful and skilled flared ones that I have listed.  Instead of deep niello work as decoration, it has a pattern etched and hammered into the surface.  The decorative studded domes on each side have unequal quantities of soldered decorative wire on them as some has been lost over the years.  I think that the original work was hastily done in perhaps a less wealthy community than some.  The central stud and edges of the back of the bracelet were once enamelled but now have little left.  The bracelet though is well shaped, solid, and very wearable.  It has a great ethnic look to it and can be appreciated for its individuality.  I wouldn't be offering it for sale if I didn't find it attractive.  The bracelet measures 2 by 2 1/4 inches in diameter, is 7/8 inch tall in the front, and 1 7/8 inches at the closures in the back.  A good value at $175.US.
	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 is sold)
	NAF88.  Illustrated here is a lovely pair of silver earrings from Morocco.  Wearable if you have large pierced holes in your ears, and collectible otherwise.  These earrings are made of high grade silver and each one has a tubular coral bead hanging from it as well as an Islamic coin.  One is dated 1321AH Hejira which would be 1903AD Christian calendar  The cone shaped dangles are made of hammered and rolled sheet silver (sealed on the bottom as well).  Small (3/4" across) enamelled (with most enamel missing) plaques are soldered to the front of the earrings - one centered with a blue glass "stone" and the other with a green one.  These are very charming and have a great colour to them.  The earrings measure 4 1/4 inches from very top to bottom of dangles.   $205.US
	NAF55.   Playing card motifs are popular decorations on North African (Moroccan and Tuareg) jewellery as can be seen on this "clubs" ring.  This silver ring is a size 9.5, is lightly worn, made with a thick and solid ring band, and is very wearable for many years to come.  The club motif is almost an inch tall.  $60.US.
	NAF62.  . .  This wonderful, unusual silver piece is from Mauritania and has a pattern of diamonds and clubs (or clovers)  alternating with a flat leaf design and a granulated 3 dimensional spacer.  It is a great contrast of shapes and dimensions.  The inside diameter of the bracelet is 2 1/4 inches across and the widest parts of the bracelet are just under 3/4 inches.  It is held shut with a silver pin.  $200.US.
	NAF64.   This silver Yemeni pendant needs a photo not a scan as the top granulated part is dripping with uneven lengths of chain - a very chaotic selection with bits of arrow shaped pendants and bells - it's all kind of wild.  The granulation on the top section is irregular and covers what would normally be a round bead about 1 1/4 inches in diameter.  The entire piece measures about 5 3/4 inches long.  It has a sturdy hanging loop at the top and a smaller twisted wire loop at the bottom of the bead...  $135.US
	NAF20.   I love eccentric rings, and if these fit me, I would not be able to part with them.  The are sized much too large for my skinny fingers though.  Both of these silver rings have been inlayed with copper - the top one is virtually identical to the ring from Mali illustrated on page 96 of the Splendor of Ethnic Jewelry, and the other is quite similar.  Both supposed to be influenced by the designs on playing cards.  They are quite heavy - the one on the left weighing close to an ounce (size 9.5) and the other about 3/4 ounce (size 10).  As you can see in the illustration, the style of jewelry making there is one of massive form and graceful shapes.  These are much more impressive 3 dimensionally than they are on a scan as their forms, their heft and weight have to be appreciated firsthand...  $125.US/each.   (#2 is available)

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
    .....Modern copies of ancient objects
    .....Odds and ends
.........Mexico - traditional rebozos and market shopping