This book presents the traditional jewellery of Nepal,Tibet and the Himalayas in all its splendour, and tells the fascinating stories of trade, conquest, faith and fortune that lie behind it.The jewellery of the region has an extraordinary visual impact, with its vibrant combination of gold and silver with turquoise, coral, amber and pearls, elements of which were traded from countries far distant from the Himalayas. It is worn as much for its religious and talismanic associations as for adornment, and may well represent a woman's whole portable wealth in terms of a dowry.

Map

Preface

CHAPTER I

The History and Culture of the Himalayas

CHATER 2

Why Was Jewellery Worn?

CHAPTER 3

Symbolism, Folklore and Beliefs

CHAPTER 4

Metals, Gemstones, Corals and Pearls

CHAPTER 5

Craftsmen and theirWork

CHAPTER 6

Jewellery in Nepal

PLATES

Lhasa

Central and Southern Tibet

Eastern Tibet

Western Tibet, Ladakh, Bhutan and Sikkim

Nepal

Notes

Glossary

Bibliography

Acknowledgements

Index