Istanbul Jewelry Collection
Istanbul
This Middle Eastern inspired cross necklace features beautiful cobalt blue glass, Persian blue ceramic, amber resin and a bold Ethiopian brass cross. What a fantastic color scheme, so warm and ethnic and exotic! Lapis Lazuli has been a prized gemstone throughout history and particularly important to the Middle East as it was first mined in Afghanistan. The stone itself is important, but the beautiful cobalt blue color is prized as well. Cobalt blue glass is used throughout the Middle East, but especially in Turkey where the evil eye (Nazar Boncuğu) amulets have been made for over 3000 years. The cobalt blue glass beads in this necklace are from Turkey as well, hence the title Istanbul.
There are also 2 exotic Persian blue "donkey beads" are made of faience, an ancient non clay ceramic of quartz and sand used 5500 years ago in Egypt. These beads are still being made in the city of Qom, in Iran, where they are used as good luck beads against the Evil Eye. They are used by people, but also in vehicles, homes and on animals, which is why they are called donkey beads. I am not exactly sure when these particular beads were created, but I got them from a collector who had them in her house for at least 30 years. They are crudely handmade and inexact which adds to their wonderful charm.
I created this beautiful and ethnic bracelet and set of earrings to go and have since also designed a long Istanbul Necklace. Click links below to get more detailed information.
Istanbul Necklace $195
Istanbul Long Necklace $175 (made as custom piece after collection published)
