| Oversized jewelry is often worn by women from | | | | carry particular meaning for the wearer of the |
| Tibet and Nepal. This jewelry, while beautiful, is often | | | | jewelry. The symbol for Om is often incorporated |
| rustic, with uneven edges. A closer look will reveal | | | | into jewelry. Om is the sound the universe makes as |
| that this jewelry is made, not by a machine, but by | | | | the planets travel through space. This sound has |
| hand. | | | | relaxing and healing properties. Wearing this symbol |
| To appreciate the workmanship of Nepalese jewelry, | | | | reminds the wearer of the peace that can be found |
| it is important to understand the history of the craft. | | | | by keeping harmony with Om. |
| Many of the jewelry craftsmen in Nepal are actually | | | | The most common mantra on Tibetan and Nepalese |
| from Tibet. They fled from Tibet to Nepal when the | | | | jewelry is the mantra, om mani padme hum. This |
| Chinese took over Tibet in the 1950s. Descendants | | | | mantra literally means, hail to the jewel in the lotus. |
| of these craftsmen continue the Tibetan | | | | The eight auspicious symbols are also popular |
| jewelry-making tradition in Nepal today. Furthermore, | | | | symbols in Buddhist jewelry from Nepal. The ten-fold |
| many who make this traditional jewelry are women, | | | | powerful mantra symbol (the Kalachakra mantra |
| not men. | | | | symbol) is also popular. Bracelets carved from three |
| In both Tibet and Nepal, jewelry is important in dress, | | | | metals are said to have healing properties. |
| spirituality, and life. Tibetan and Nepalese jewelry also | | | | Dzi beads, or God beads are a very important part |
| protects the wearer like an amulet, and most of the | | | | of Buddhist jewelry. Use of these beads can be |
| metals and stones are believed to have unique | | | | traced back to 1000 B.C. These beads come in |
| properties. | | | | different shapes and sizes, each one capable of |
| Nepalese jewelry is commonly made from copper or | | | | serving a different spiritual function. Dzi beads have |
| silver, but it can also be made from gold. Most pieces | | | | the power of amulet, which means they carry sacred |
| of Nepal jewelry are quite heavy, due to the | | | | powers. Some are used to protect the wearer from |
| quantities of metal used to make each piece. This | | | | evil spirits. Others protect against natural disaster, or |
| jewelry is often sold by the gram. | | | | increase energy levels. Some will bring good |
| Turquoise and coral are the most common stones | | | | reputation and some promote decency. |
| used in Nepalese jewelry. Turquoise stands for the | | | | This culture of jewelry making has been around for |
| sky and the sea. Other stones common in Nepal | | | | centuries, and has a long an rich history among the |
| jewelry include lapis lazuli, tiger eye, garnet, and | | | | people of Nepal and Tibet. In both Nepal and Tibet, |
| agate. Many bracelets and necklaces are also made | | | | jewelry stops being something 'fashionable' and is also |
| from yak bone. | | | | spiritual. |
| Many piece of Nepalese jewelry are actually | | | | Please click on the links if you would be interested in |
| representations of Sanskrit words. These words | | | | purchasing Buddhist jewelry or Om symbol jewelry. |