Pokhara Valley

Lush in color and rich with soul, this neckpiece is magnificent with a casual white blouse and jeans, an elegant black dress, and anything in between. It is primarily comprised of deep red bamboo coral, silver-coated terra cotta beads, and beautiful handmade vermeil. The coral beads are separated by brass heishe to individualize each bead, yet the beads come together to form five coral segments that are, in turn, separated by the silver and gold beads. Every element of this original handcrafted piece of artisan jewelry flows together to create one symmetrical and harmonious strand that is soft and flexible.

Initially reminding me of Nepalese jewelry, specifically a nau gedi necklace, I named this after a beautiful, subtropical valley located in the center of Nepal said to offer the most spectacular views of the Himalayas. Nepal is a unique country landlocked between China and India, claiming 8 of the world’s 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest. There is a large range of cultures and religions throughout Nepal, but the adornment of gold bead necklaces by married women is a common tradition among Nepalese ethnic groups.

Nau gedi means nine beads, and traditionally these necklaces have nine large gold beads interspersed with glass seed beads or coral. The number nine has cultural significance for varying reasons in Hinduism, Buddhism and shamanic animist traditions, the major belief systems of the Himalayan people. My necklace design has some similar elements to the traditional nau gedi necklace, but is not at all meant to be an imitation. It is similar in design but much more modern in style using shiny silver as the focal beads and polished coral as the base material.

This designer artisan necklace ends with African brass rings and closes with a sterling silver Bali-style S-hook clasp. It can adjust from 17 to 20 inches.