Carnelian Necklace with Afghani Pendant
This beautiful one of kind necklace is made of very old chunky Carnelian discs and a large silver pendant from Afghanistan with animal patterns engraved on its rim. Inside the pendant holds an oval carnelian cabochon, engraved with an abstracted lion motif. Old and new sterling silver beads and caps frame the pendant and finish the necklace, ending in a hand-hammered sterling silver hook clasp.
Carnelian, also called cornelian, (its name is understood to be derived from the cornel sherry), was throughout the ages believed to bestow healing and physical powers and prowess. Carnelian has often been called the „stone of life“. Worn by kings and peasants, from the Assyrians through the Egyptians, Etruscans, Greeks and Romans, it stood out as a special stone with unique properties. The Egyptians added carnelian objects to the tombs of their dead, to give them power and force for their transitional journey into the afterlife. The Persians and Ottomans wore carnelian rings and talisman for protection and luck. Gems, seals and much jewelry has been made of the beautiful carnelian, an all time favorite decorative stone. Its wide range of deep reds, orange or brown shades and its decorative bands and swirls, mostly produced by iron oxides, were deeply appreciated throughout the ages.