Antique Ottoman Silver and Coral Amulet Necklace

This is a 19th-century necklace featuring a slip-on hirz, or amulet holder, from the Late Ottoman era. The cylinder-shaped holder usually holds Koranic verses or incantations to offer protection to the wearer. Intricate wound wire circles cover the surface, and three circular filigree pendants, each adorned with a small coral bead, hang from the holder. This type of jewelry is common in Syrian jewelry but also could be Anatolian jewelry. A scratch test has confirmed that both the hirz (amulet holder) and chain are made of silver. This vintage piece is still in good condition, though it does have a small dent at its center.

• The chain measures 76 cm (30") in length.
• The amulet holder itself measures 4.5 cm (1 3/4") in length
• The diameter is 7 mm (just under 1/4")
• The amulet holder is 1 cm wide (3/8")
• The dangles are 2.5 cm (1") long
• Weight is 22.5 g.