African Tuareg Cross Teardrop Jewel Necklace

Details

Antique brooch components and carefully chosen gemstone beads add layers of meaning and beauty to every piece. These necklaces are treasures born from the heart of the Sahara, each one handcrafted to reflect the strength and mystique of ancient nomadic cultures.

36" Long
Pendant measures n 3 1/2" Long, 1 3/4" Wide
African brass, Tibetan pearls.
Lobster claw closure
Vintage teardrop shaped jewel adornment

According to one Tuareg elder narration, a young nomadic warrior wanted to declare his love to the young girl of his heart, the latter being locked up at home and therefore inaccessible to his messages. The village blacksmith then had a very important place in Tuareg society. As such, the blacksmith had the right to enter the houses of all the families with whom he traded with. The young man then had a jewel forged which combines the two syllables of the Tamashek word "T (a) R (a)" ("tara" meaning "love" and spelled "ⵜⵔ" in the Tifinagh alphabet) and entrusted the blacksmith with the mission of transmitting the message of love to his beloved in the greatest discretion.