Yemen Silver & Natural Coral Bead Hirz Necklace

This large and fine necklace comprises silver-alloy elements and strands of hundreds of tiny natural coral beads mixed in with some coral-coloured trade glass beads.

It includes an enclosed, large, cylindrical talismanic hirz amulet box, which is decorated on both sides with applied silver plaques embossed to emulate granulation work, and six pairs of suspended chains and bell terminals.

The necklace itself comprises six silver hollow beads similarly decorated with granulated triangular plaques, and two cone-shaped finials similarly decorated.

Such jewellery was typically made by a small community of local Jewish silversmiths for local Bedouin clients.

The necklace here is complete, stable and wearable.