A necklace with antique Tibetan turquoise from an antique Perak

These turquoise beads (all with drilled holes for beading) were once a part of an old Perak headdress and are presented here; reimagined as a single necklace. These beads range in size from .3” to 1.3” length and run the spectrum in terms of the variety of  colors, textures and shapes and richness of this semi precious stone. The necklace is 25” in length and weighs 123 grams.

This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of history, a necklace made by salvaging an old Ladakhi head dress - Perak. The Peraks are elaborate headdresses from Ladakh (ancient Tibet, now a part of Northern India) with turquoise, amulets and other gemstones attached to it.  The Peraks were a symbol of wealth; and its components (turquoise and other stones, amulets) replaced with higher quality pierces as families prospered. Sometimes pieces were pawned or sold off to tide families over difficult times.  Peraks are highly prized family possessions and ones with antique stones rarely make it to the market.

Turquoise is used to decorate jewelry and other possessions all over the Himalayas. Considered a sky-stone, it is believed to possess absorptive powers and prevent misfortunes from occurring to its owner. Used as the principal gemstone in Ghaus- amulets, it is used as the principal gemstone in the Ladakhi headdress -the “Perak".