Mala bracelet made from amber and silver beads

Mala bracelet made of amber and silver beads. Made in the Atelier Tibet in Zurich.

Amber is a warm, golden yellow gemstone made from fossil resin that plays an important role in Tibetan jewelry. In traditional pieces of jewelry, it is often used in combination with turquoise, coral and - as here - silver. In Tibetan culture, amber symbolizes protection, healing and wisdom. Monks and believers often wear amber as a talisman to ward off negative energies. It is usually crafted by hand, making each piece of jewelry unique and of great cultural value.