Amethyst Lotus Earrings
These exquisite amethyst lotus earrings are crafted by Buddhist “Newari” artisan families in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Here, Newar families, renowned for their metal crafting skills using simple tools and quality materials, create beautiful jewelry that is highly regarded around the world and a testament to the rich artistic craft tradition in Nepal.
Our Lotus Earrings are intricately designed with sterling silver lotus petals that almost cradle the amethyst gemstone – a stone reputed to calm and protect the mind. A tiny shimmering pearl drop – symbolizing the cool reflection of the moon – adds to its delicate beauty. A story card is included with your purchase.
The Story
Nepal today is a country that is rebuilding itself after two decades of a civil conflict that left up to 2 million people migrating beyond its borders to India or beyond and an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 people thought to have been internally displaced. Largely from rural communities, they had to flee from targeted attacks, violence and increased economic hardship with a majority who ended up living with relatives in temporary abodes, or on abandoned plots in district or regional towns, or in the capital.
In the midst of this civil conflict, you find the talented Newari jewelers who make Tibetan style jewelry in their home workshops. They are highly skilled Nepali artisans who had once migrated to Lhasa, Tibet where they had decided to settle down to live and earn their livelihood. Their craftsmanship became very popular, as they made jewelry and other art works to sell in the Tibetan marketplace. However, due to the unstable political situation in Tibet in the 1950s, most of these jewelry artisans had to return home – and many moved back to Kathmandu by 1960.
Today, you will find enclaves of talented Nepalese and Tibetan refugee artisans working side by side to create exquisite jewelry – and other craft objects – as a testament to a fine craft tradition emerging out of the Himalayan region.
