Vintage Silver Bedouin Choker Necklace with Carnelian

A beautiful silver bedouin necklace with a carnelian stone in its middle. The necklace is made of good-grade silver and is likely from the 1940s or even older. It was likely made in Hadramout, Yemen, and worn in Saudi Arabia.

The choker part is a series of interconnected rectangular elements. In their middle sits the square central element that contains the carnelian stone which has protective qualities in Bedouin culture. The finials are the traditional triangular shape. The elements are beautifully decorated with granulation and twisted wire. Eleven dangles connect to the choker with a handmade chain. The purpose of the dangles is to make noise as the wearer moves. The jingling sound is thought to scare the djin or evil spirits away and further protect the wearer. 

The ends of the necklace are a wrapped cotton cord that has been cut on both ends. Easily fixed if you intend to wear it by tying a velvet ribbon to the ends.  

• The length of the silver necklace (without the cut cord) is 26 cm  (10 1/4").
• The choker part is around 4.5 cm (1 3/4) in width.
• The chain and dangles add about another 4.5 cm (1 3/4").
• The total drop is about 10 cm (4 ").
• Weight is 208 g.

For more Bedouin jewelry visit the Bedouin Jewelry Section.