Older amber "Akor" earrings

This pair of "Akor" ear ornaments with their typical ends in the shape of stylized lotus buds is set with flat amber cabochons set in silver. The settings are elaborately decorated with fine silver wires and applied silver beads.

Traditional Akor jewelry is made with turquoise; amber is atypical and a special feature. The pair comes from an extensive collection of Tibetan jewelry from the 19th and 20th centuries and was probably never worn. Both the quality of the amber and the silver workmanship are of high quality.

• Length: 9.2 cm
• Width: 3 cm
• Weight (together): 46.4 g

As such ear pendants were often too massive or heavy to be worn directly on the ears, they were instead fastened into headdresses - close to the ears to create the impression of earrings. This practice was particularly common among aristocratic women, with the jewelry facing forward to show off the set stones.