Older silver brooch with carnelian and coral

A unique, older brooch from a Tibetan jewelry collection.

The brooch consists of a long, warm red carnelian set in silver . Small, round-cut corals are inlaid around it.

The piece comes from an extensive collection of Tibetan jewelry from the 19th and 20th centuries and was probably never worn. Both the quality of the carnelian and coral and the silver workmanship are of exceptionally high quality.

Dimensions:

• Height: 30 mm
• Width: 44 mm

Carnelian is a bright orange-red gemstone that is known for its energizing effect and is often used to boost creativity, courage and zest for life.

Corals have a deep spiritual and cultural significance in traditional Tibetan jewelry. The red precious coral (Corallium rubrum), which has been a symbol of life, protection and spiritual power for centuries, is particularly prized. In combination with turquoise and silver, coral beads are a characteristic element of Tibetan prayer beads(malas), amulets and ritual jewelry. As Tibet is a landlocked highland, coral was imported from the Mediterranean and the Southeast Asian region via centuries-old trade routes. Due to their intense red color, they were considered a valuable protective amulet and were used in Tibetan temples as well as in jewelry for lamas and nobles.