Incredible Jewelry of South Central Asia

It's been a couple of months since my last post! I thought it was time to show you something a little more specific. Jewelry! 

Living in Islamabad in the mid to late 1990s it was possible to find jewelry from the various regions in South Central Asia. There were small shops and outdoor markets where you could find silver or "German silver" pieces. I'm not sure what would even be available if you were to travel there today. 

These are a sampling of what is in the collection.

Large Ornate Tribal Necklace

Hand tooled silver and glass embellishment

possibly Sindh or ... Northern Aghanistan

circa...early 20th Century

Below is a detail of piece necklace above. It is large and quite heavy to wear! Beautiful for a photo shoot but I think you'd have to spend some time with your chiropractor. 

This next silver ornament could have been worn several different ways. It might have hung from a woman's hair, hat or clothing.

Kuchi Ornament

"German Silver" and colored glass

Kuchi Tribes of Northern Pakistan and Afghanistan

first have 20th Century

Large Ornamental Earrings

Hand tooled "German Silver"

Afghan

These are not as rare but still beautiful examples of Turkomen bracelet cuffs.

Pair of  Turkomen Bracelets

Silver and 

Turkomen 

Mid 20th Century

Kuchi Necklace and Earrings

German silver and colored glass

Kuchi Tribe of Pakistan/Afghanistan

Many of these pieces cross borders and the age is unknown. You see this with many pieces from tribal areas.

Embellished Silver Hoop Earrings

Tooled silver

Afghanistan

Mid 20th Century (probable)

Collection of Silver and German Silver Pendants

German Silver with red glass

Afghan

The long narrow piece, in the photo above, is made to hold a small Koran. 

This next pendant is an older piece. It is quite intricate and very beautiful. 

Refined Silver Pendant

Hand tooled silver with carnelian inset

Turkmen

First half of 20th century

Ornamental Bracelet with Rings

Hand tooled silver with gold wash, set with carnelian 

Turkmen

Mid 20th Century

I hope you've enjoyed this selection of jewelry from the collection. There is more to come!