Carnelian Heirloom Dowry Bead Necklaces


$ 1,250.00
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      • Carnelian Heirloom Dowry Bead Necklaces
      • Dowry Necklace designed at Beads of Paradise with Early 20th Century Indian Carnelian melon shaped beads, Nigerian brass bicone bead spacers, an 18th century Chinese turquoise color wound glass trade bead, and a Tibetan carved Sacred Shank Turbinella Pryrum shell bead used as a clasping closure.
      • These beautiful Carnelian gems are found in the Middle east and India, and are used as high value Dowry Currency or Bride Wealth.
      • In traditional marriages across many cultures and continents, the dowry (Bride Price/ Bride Gift) held an important place. The dowry sealed the betrothal. It took several forms. The Bridegroom presented gifts to the Bride, that were to be her Bridewealth and Security. The gifts to a Bride were a separate "dowry" as distinguished from "gifts to the members of the family". The price paid to the Father or Brothers of the Bride was probably a survival of the early custom of purchasing wives. There was frequently much negotiation and bargaining as to size and quality of dowry. The dowry required would generally be according to the wealth and standing of the Bride's Family. It might consist of money, jewelry or other valuable effects.
      • Carnelian is an orange Chalcedony that comes from the Latin word, “caro,” meaning “flesh”. The distinctive red-orange color of Carnelian is a result of trace amounts of iron. Sometimes the name Sard is used to refer to the darker colors of carnelian. Carnelian is one of the birthstones listed in the ancient Arabic, Hebrew, Italian and Roman tables and is a Zodiac birthstone for the signs of Leo and Virgo. Carnelian has one of the oldest known gemstone histories. It was widely used in ancient Rome to make signet or seal rings for imprinting a seal on letters or important documents (hot wax does not stick to carnelian).
      • Folklore suggests that Carnelian's healing properties help purify the blood, relieve menstrual cramps and back pain. It is also thought to be beneficial in the treatment of infertility and is worn to enhance passion and desire.
      • Bead Approx. 20mm
      • Strand Approx. 32" (Beaded Section 27")
      • These beautiful natural stones originated in India and were traded through Nepal, Tibet and the Middle East.