| The eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism, | | | | scented flower basks in the sunlight. The |
| translated from the Sanskrit 'Ashtamangala', | | | | beauty of the flower is extremely attractive |
| are very popular in Tibet and are used for | | | | and quite unusual due to the fact that it |
| Tibetan jewelry. It is said that Buddha | | | | grows from the underwater mud. Therefore many |
| didn't like to be worshiped as a person and | | | | people around the world want to be adorned |
| therefore he was reluctant to accept images | | | | with Tibetan jewelry that represents such |
| of himself. Because of that he was mostly | | | | amazing positive energy and power of life. |
| represented by the Eight-Spoked Wheel and the | | | | |
| Bobhi Tree. Other signs were used in | | | | The Conch is a symbol for power, sovereignty |
| representing him also, like Buddha's | | | | and authority. The powerful blast that the |
| Footprints, an Empty Throne, a Begging Bowl | | | | conch makes when blown is believed to banish |
| and a Lion. The eight auspicious symbols are | | | | the evil spirits, to be able to stop |
| however the following: the Umbrella or | | | | disasters from happening and to keep away |
| parasol, the Golden Fish, the Treasure Vase, | | | | poisonous creatures. This symbol is rarely |
| the Lotus, the Conch, the Endless Knot, the | | | | represented in Tibetan jewelry due to the |
| Victory Banner and the Dharma-Wheel | | | | fact that the actual conch shell makes a |
| (Dharmachackra). | | | | rather more powerful statement than a jewel |
| | | | representing it would. |
| The Umbrella or Parasol, translated from the | | | | |
| Sanskrit 'chattra', symbolizes the sky the | | | | The Endless Knot is one of the most favorite |
| dome that lies above the mountain. Its most | | | | symbols in Tibetan Buddhism. It is often |
| important function is to cast shadow, the | | | | related to the endless wisdom of Buddh and it |
| shadow of protection upon oneself. As a | | | | is also significant for the interaction of |
| traditional Indian symbol of royalty and | | | | opposing forces leading to their union and |
| protection, the umbrella is found in all | | | | harmony in the universe. The symmetrical |
| cultures with a similar meaning. In Europe | | | | shape of the knot signifies all these things |
| the umbrella was until recently a symbol of | | | | and arouses the curiosity of those who are |
| wealth reflecting one's high social status. | | | | passionate about wearing Tibetan jewelry. |
| In Oriental cultures, the shade the umbrella | | | | Giving someone Tibetan jewelry representing |
| casts took a religious note as the protection | | | | an Endless Knot or giving away a greeting |
| from the heat of suffering, desire and other | | | | card with such a symbol on it signifies a |
| forces harmful to the spirit. The vertical | | | | connection between the giver and the |
| handle of the umbrella is compared to the | | | | receiver. It is also a reminder that the |
| central axis of the world, transforming its | | | | roots of every future positive effect are |
| bearer into the center of the world. The | | | | found in the present. |
| umbrella is also compared to the mobile | | | | |
| temple; therefore Buddha was often | | | | The Victory Banner symbolizes Buddha's |
| represented with a large umbrella over his | | | | enlightenment and his knowledge triumph over |
| head. Tibetan jewelry often represents the | | | | ignorance. It is said that Buddha placed the |
| Buddhist symbol of the Umbrella. | | | | banner on top of Mt. Meru to show the world |
| | | | his victory over the entire universe. The |
| Tibetan jewelry using the Golden Fish symbol | | | | Victory Banner also signifies Buddha's |
| is usually worn for good fortune. Positioned | | | | triumph over the four Maras of emotional |
| upright with their heads turned inwards, the | | | | defilement, of passion, of the fear of death |
| two fish first appeared in the Indian culture | | | | and of pride and lust. |
| as a symbol for the two sacred rivers Ganga | | | | |
| and Yamuna. In Buddhism they symbolize | | | | The Wheel is consistent of three basic |
| happiness, fertility and abundance. The | | | | components the hub, the spokes and a perfect |
| Treasure Vase symbol worn as Tibetan jewelry | | | | circle. The first element symbolizes the axes |
| is meant to attract the infinite riches of | | | | of the world and stands for moral discipline |
| this world. It consists of a fat-bellied | | | | while the spokes represent the eightfold path |
| vessel with a narrow and short neck, covered | | | | set down by Buddha and stand for the correct |
| with a large jewel. It symbolizes endless | | | | application of wisdom and the rim. The |
| wealth and prosperity. Tibetan jewelry | | | | perfect circle, which represents the element |
| representing the two Golden Fish and the | | | | of limitation, refers to concentration and |
| Treasure Vase can make very nice and suitable | | | | holds the entire meditative practice |
| wedding gifts representing only good wishes | | | | together. |
| for the future family. | | | | |
| | | | These symbols remind people to embrace change |
| The Lotus flower is perhaps the most admired | | | | and be open to novelty, but never let go of |
| and worn symbol for Tibetan jewelry. The | | | | positive values which never go out of |
| Lotus symbolizes the progress of the soul | | | | fashion. Because of the message they send out |
| because of the way such a plant grows. The | | | | to people, the popularity of Tibetan jewelry |
| roots of a lotus lie in the mud, as the stem | | | | never diminishes attracting thousands of |
| grows up to rise eight to ten inches above | | | | people to believe in Buddhism. |
| the surface of the water where the heavily | | | | |