Located at the highest point of the world, Tibetans have always believed in their ability to be closer to the deities. One method of achieving such is through wearing Tibetan silver jewelry that has a long standing history. Here is why these items are regarded as highly significant.
What makes these items totally worth the amazement is the fact that they are handcrafted by the jewelers themselves. If one would look at the designs of the ornaments, they can be fairly intricate, which means sculpting them could be very difficult. Despite the machine generated accessories of today, Tibetans have managed to pull off their unique approach and skills.
And yes, all the manual use of hammers and chisels are still applied by Tibetans. That's why their genuine products could not be at par with modern Italian silver that looks really flawless in all angles. But the unfinished and rustic look of the items is what makes them more sophisticated looking and more valuable.
In fact, the dexterity of Tibetans in this aspect of art could be dated back to 600 AD when temples were found to have been embellished with silvery ornaments. The items had been likened to modernized ones and thus, Tibetans earned their reputation to have influenced the contemporary ways of jewel crafting.
What's even more interesting about the items is that they are believed to have healing as well as spiritual powers. Anyone who wears it can establish communication with the gods and can be protected from most misfortunes in life including poor health and accidents. They come along with gems and stones like turquoise and corals that too have special meanings.
Because Tibet is a Buddhist region, the residents also believe in symbols and words they call mantra. The latter can be represented in 6 words that mean The Jewel Lotus Flower Within The Heart in English and translated to Om Mani Padme Hum. Most of their silverworks reflect symbols of the mantra.
Owing to the difficulty in gaining access to Tibet, most of the items being sold today in the market are actually made from Nepal. This neighboring area have similar traditions to Tibetans and have been producing the same brand of ornaments until now. This trend has gone on for many years and items are even now being sold online for people to choose from.
What is important for people to know is that Tibetan silver jewelry has gone a long way from influencing the lives of ancient to contemporary citizens. The Tibetans' spiritual and often symbolic means of dressing up have molded a great aspect of the world, most particularly jewel craftsmanship.
What makes these items totally worth the amazement is the fact that they are handcrafted by the jewelers themselves. If one would look at the designs of the ornaments, they can be fairly intricate, which means sculpting them could be very difficult. Despite the machine generated accessories of today, Tibetans have managed to pull off their unique approach and skills.
And yes, all the manual use of hammers and chisels are still applied by Tibetans. That's why their genuine products could not be at par with modern Italian silver that looks really flawless in all angles. But the unfinished and rustic look of the items is what makes them more sophisticated looking and more valuable.
In fact, the dexterity of Tibetans in this aspect of art could be dated back to 600 AD when temples were found to have been embellished with silvery ornaments. The items had been likened to modernized ones and thus, Tibetans earned their reputation to have influenced the contemporary ways of jewel crafting.
What's even more interesting about the items is that they are believed to have healing as well as spiritual powers. Anyone who wears it can establish communication with the gods and can be protected from most misfortunes in life including poor health and accidents. They come along with gems and stones like turquoise and corals that too have special meanings.
Because Tibet is a Buddhist region, the residents also believe in symbols and words they call mantra. The latter can be represented in 6 words that mean The Jewel Lotus Flower Within The Heart in English and translated to Om Mani Padme Hum. Most of their silverworks reflect symbols of the mantra.
Owing to the difficulty in gaining access to Tibet, most of the items being sold today in the market are actually made from Nepal. This neighboring area have similar traditions to Tibetans and have been producing the same brand of ornaments until now. This trend has gone on for many years and items are even now being sold online for people to choose from.
What is important for people to know is that Tibetan silver jewelry has gone a long way from influencing the lives of ancient to contemporary citizens. The Tibetans' spiritual and often symbolic means of dressing up have molded a great aspect of the world, most particularly jewel craftsmanship.
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