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The tree of life, timeless symbol
The tree of life is the symbol of evolution, of the common origin, but also of the union between the terrestrial and the celestial. The sign of the tree of life has been used since the beginning of history and on all five continents.
The tree of life according to Darwin
Darwin proposed a tree of life to represent the common origin of all living things. The relationship or link between birds and dinosaurs was represented using this tree. It is also possible to draw an analogy between the biological classification system and the concept of the tree of life. In this system, a given species can be traced through its roots.
The tree of life in the West
In the West the tree of life has a link with the 4 elements. The tree draws its food from the Earth but also feeds on sunlight, drinks the rainwater it receives, and grows thanks to the wind. Fire (Sun) gives it energy, Water (Rain) gives it existence and life; Air (Wind) gives it growth and movement; and the Earth gives it a base, a form. So here we have the 4 elements present in the tree (Fire-Water-Air-Earth), and its 4 structural characteristics (Background, Life, Movement, Form). These 4 categories turn out to be also the 4 divisions in humans: Head / Fire, Lungs / Air, Intestines / Water, Legs / Earth.
The tree of life in Buddhism
In Buddhism, the tree of life symbolizes the saving knowledge that delivers the being of its illusions. It is a Ficus bengalensis that grows in India, Nepal, etc., carrying small figs but inedible. It was at the foot of this tree that Siddharta Gautama knew enlightenment and became the Buddha, the Awakened, or the Awakener. He loved, indeed, to stand under this tree to teach the way to his disciples.
The tree of life in jewelry
We find the tree of life in many jewels. The symbol conveys a very strong image and brings together many concepts. It is very popular in Europe and the West. Here are some examples of contemporary jewelry. Discover more pictures of zen jewelry and trend on our Instagram:
The mysterious history of Tibetan jewelry
Our Tibetan jewelry does not come from Tibet but is made by Tibetans in refugee communities in northern India or Nepal. Large Tibetan communities have fled Tibet, annexed by China in the 50 years, to establish themselves in India and Nepal. Moreover, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile are in Dharamsala, in northern India.
The soul of Tibetan jewelry
Jewelry has never been worn by Tibetans just to embellish themselves. Indeed, Tibetan jewelry is linked to Buddhism, or serves as amulets. Today the most famous in the West are the mala necklaces / bracelets, a sort of Tibetan rosary that the monks string out by reciting their 100 prayers (108 beads: 100 prayers and 8 omissions). These malas are now available in necklaces, multi-wrap bracelets or thin bracelets, also called lucky bracelets or zen bracelets.
Amulets and lucky doors
In time the jewels held places of bank reserve, or indicator of social status. Most of the jewels made of precious metals, silver or gold, were considered auspicious and lucky. In southern Tibet, a woman who did not wear an ornamental headdress was a sign of bad luck. This led the women to sleep with their huge headdresses until the 50 years.
Tibetan jewelry, social symbol
For men, jewelry was a symbol of their position in society. Like the gun, sword, and saddle, a man's amulet was an indicator of social status. "Gun, sword", I can see your surprise from here, but yes some Tibetans were great fighters. The Tibetans of Kham, better known as Khampa / Khamba, are traditionally known as the warriors of Tibet. The Khampa follow another known branch of Buddhism.
Whether from Beijing or Lhasa, the Khampa have always resisted foreigners. Throughout their long history, Khampa fought against anyone trying to settle in their area. At the beginning of the XNIXXth century, several European and American explorers were killed by the Khampa - including Jules-Léon Dutreuil of Rhins, Louis Victor Liotard and Albert Shelton. Kham is one of the three main regions of Tibet. The Kham is 20 times bigger than Sweden or California.
Contemporary Tibetan jewelry
The bags are very popular in Europe and the West. These necklaces / bracelets are supports for meditation and are used to count the “Om mane padme um”. The Tibetans also make very pretty prayer box pendants, in solid silver.
Find our pretty photos on Instagram and our Jewelry online.
Nepal jewelry, history
The jewels of Nepal are mainly made by the Newar, a Nepalese ethnic group, living in Kathmandu and its surroundings. The Newar have been recognized artisans for centuries and their history is closely linked to Tibet.
Nepal jewels through the centuries
By the 11th century, Nepal and Tibet had very strong trade links. Nepalese artisans imported from Tibet: turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli and all kinds of semi-precious stones. Newar craftsmen also worked with wood, metal and pearls. In the 12th century, these Nepalese artisans began to migrate to Tibet and work for the great monasteries. Nepalese jewelry became popular for everyone in Tibet, then synonymous with wealth. Due to the unstable political situation in Tibet in the 50s, most of the jewelry makers returned to Kathmandu between 1950 and 1960.
Jewelry materials from Nepal
Most jewelry from Nepal is made of brass, copper and silver. Some jewels are in 22 karat gold (dark yellow). Jewelry was made from turquoise and coral until the 16th century. Then the Nepalese used other stones, including rubies and sapphires from Sri Lanka and Burma. Today they use a lot of semi-precious stones, coming from India: amethyst, amber, jade, agate, garnet, lapis lazuli, carnelian and opal. Yak bone, wooden beads and seeds are also popular in Nepalese jewelry.
Contemporary Nepal jewels
Today the Nepalese are renowned for their silver work and their ability to set and mount semi-precious stones. There are very beautiful engraved silver coins, with Buddhist or Hindu symbols. Very trendy, malas and zen bracelets, these necklaces / bracelets in semi-precious stones, wood or seeds, are very popular. As you will have understood, Nepalese jewelry remains strongly linked to Buddhism.
Find our pretty photos on Instagram, and our Nepali jewelry online.
The fabulous history of Indian jewelry
Indian jewelry comes mainly from Rajasthan. This region of north-east India has been known since time immemorial for its expertise in jewelery. Rajasthan is a very colorful region of immense cultural wealth. It is for nothing that it is one of the most touristic destinations of India.
Indian jewels, a thousand-year history
Archaeological excavations have revealed that Indians have been creating gold, silver and precious stone jewelery since prehistoric times. The Mughals influenced Indian jewelry with their elaborate chiselling techniques, while Rajasthan craftsmen brought their enameling technique. In India, jewelery symbolizes beliefs; it is associated with wealth, power, social status, caste, and beauty. Indian jewelry is said to have the power of gods and goddesses. The jewels are present since the architecture of the temples and palaces, to the paintings.
The importance of semi-precious stones in Indian jewelry
India has long been a supplier of gems: precious stones, semi-precious stones, and pearls (which the Mughals were very fond of). And it was in India that the world's first diamond deposit was discovered, in the Golconde mine. In Europe, from the 17th to the 18th century diamonds were imported from India. This great country is also a producer of sapphires, rubies, emeralds, opals, as well as semi-precious stones such as tourmaline, garnet, moonstone, etc. Bombay and Jaipur are the main trading centers for precious and semi-precious stones. precious. Most South East Asian jewelers make their jewelry with stones from India.
Contemporary Indian jewelry
Today Indian artisans are known for their fascinating adaptability. They are just as capable of creating highly worked ethnic jewels as modern and sleek designs. Find our beautiful photos on Instagram. Omyoki offers a beautiful palette of Indian jewelery with a modern and refined design, with some ethnic pieces. Indian jewels in limited editions, which are largely co-designed with local artisans.
So much to see... designer jewelry
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