ArtFire

LHASA DREAMING is an absolutely stunning handmade necklace that evokes the majesty of Tibet. Created with a handmade Tibetan coin pendant, African turquoise jasper, recycled glass and copper, it is a one of a kind (OOAK) unisex beauty that looks marvelous on! Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs designed and created LHASA DREAMING.

The amazing Tibetan coin pendant is handmade by Tibetan refugee artisans who are now living in Nepal and trying to make a living. I love the idea that purchasing the pendant in some small way gave back to the artists. The pendant was made from two Tibetan copper coins which were set in brass bezels with a rope design. Look at the close up photos to see the fabulous detail in the coins and the bezel work! The symbol seen in photos #1, #3 and #8 represent a right turning conch shell, a symbol that is very sacred to Tibetans. Used only for their religious ceremonies and rituals, they believe the spiraling movement to the right echoes the movement of the sun, the moon and the stars. Plus it is believed that the hair spirals on Buddha's head also spiraled to the right. I have not been able to identify the symbols on the other side of the pendant, but am working on that. The pendant is dome shaped and has a rich patina on it. If you would like a shinier look, let me know and I will shine it for you.

Since the pendant has a wonderful rustic look to it, I wanted to use earthy colored beads to complement it. African turquoise jasper rounds were chosen because of the beautiful turquoise color with dark brown and black matix. I think the matrix highlights the intricate work of the pendant perfectly! The finish on the jasper is a semi-matte finish. Please be aware that "African turquoise" is not a real turquoise (even though you sometimes see it being sold as turquoise); it is actually a jasper.

To add more richness to the necklace, rectangle shaped copper beads with a diamond design were used, three on each side of the necklace. These beads have a wonderful patina to them, radiating a soft copper glow. Copper spacers and 2mm copper beads were added on each side to frame them. Adding more texture to LHASA DREAMING, I used black, recycled glass discs as accents to frame each grouping of three African turquoise jasper rounds at the front of the necklace. The discs were handmade so each are a little different in shape and size. Except for the groupings of three turquoise jasper rounds, each component in the necklace is separated by 2mm copper beads. More lovely copper glow!

To finish LHASA DREAMING, a simple solid copper toggle clasp was used. The necklace was crimped to the toggle clasp with sterling silver crimp tubes. The tubes were then covered with copper crimp covers to mimic a 3mm copper bead.

African Turquoise Jasper help the wearer pursue one's goals with determination and honesty. Copper is said to allow the wearer to recognize the barriers which are in the path of personal development. Brass is said to help develop strength of the spirit. Glass carries the energies of transformation, rebirth and communication.

Here is the important information for LHASA DREAMING:
Tibetan coin pendant: app. 22mm x 12mm; copper and brass
African turquoise jasper: app. 6mm
Recycled glass discs: app. 4mm x 3mm
Copper rectangle beads: app. 12mm x 5mm
Metal: mainly copper; brass on pendant
Clasp: toggle clasp; copper
Length: app. 18"/45.7 cm
Pendant drop: app. 1.25"/3.2 cm, including bail

LHASA DREAMING will come with two informational drop tags: one with the piece's name; the other lists the materials used in the necklace and the language of the stones and metals.

If you are looking for a unique, one of a kind necklace, then LHASA DREAMING is that necklace! The necklace has great symbolism in it, one that I am sure you will treasure.

***Please be aware that not all monitors show colors exactly the same. The colors of the items used to create my jewelry are extremely close to the actual color on my monitor. The colors may appear lighter or darker on your monitor.

Shadow Dog Designs
Unique Handmade Jewelry
for the Discriminating Woman

The necklace was named LHASA DREAMING because I can't even imagine the longing the refugees have in wanting to go home (Lhasa is the capital of Tibet). The I also have always wanted to visit Tibet, to experience the culture the art and the sights. This was one of those necklaces that almost designed itself :)

Tibetan coin pendant; African turquoise jasper; recycled black glass discs; fancy copper beads; copper 2mm beads, crimp covers and toggle clasp; 49-strand jewelers wire

Carefully handmade in a pet friendly, smoke free studio.