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