Turquoise 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”. The Peraks are elaborate headdresses with turquoise, amulets and other gemstones attached to it. A symbol of wealth, the stones were replaced with higher quality pierces when families prospered or sold off to tide over difficult times.
These turquoise beads ( all with drilled holes for beading) were once a part of an old Perak headdress and are presented here; reimagined as necklaces. Groups of beads with a similar texture, color, composition and patina suggest they came from the same source and have been made into three necklaces. Two necklaces are longer and weigh 149 grams each and a shorter third one weighs 131 grams. These necklaces show the vibrant blue green colors and combined with the natural veining on the stones create wonderful mosaic like patterns on the stones
