A stunning necklace featuring many beads from Nepal - carved shell, crushed turquoise and coral inlay beads, and a capped resin amber; as well as lapis from Afghanistan and carved turquoise.

These conch shell beads are hand carved in Nepal.  They have a beautifully rustic shape and each bead has unique details.  This kind of conch shell is found in areas around the Indian Ocean.  Conch shells have a long religious lineage within Buddhist and Hindu cultures.  In Buddhism, the conch shell is one of the eight auspicious symbols, symbolizing the Buddha’s speech or call to teaching.  In Hinduism, the conch shell is the sacred emblem of the God Vishnu, the preserver, believed to protect humans and to restore order to the world.

Coral, though often categorized as a gemstone, is more closely related to shells, being comprised mostly of calcium carbonate.  Coral is believed to be a symbol of protection and thought to soothe emotions, especially for those experiencing significant changes in life.

Lapis Lazuli is believed to bond relationships of love and friendship, encourage creativity, release stress and bring deep inner peace.  Its deep blue color can often have shimmering specs of pyrite that formed within the stone.

Turquoise has traditionally been thought of as a stone to unite earth and sky.  It is considered a strengthening stone while also instilling inner calm and enhancing intuition.

Necklace measures 17 1/2" long and is finished with a thick chain and a 15mm lobster claw clasp.  All metal is oxidized sterling silver.