Thank you so much for the information, I appreciate it. It is a favorite of mine within my collection. We had an Arabic interpreter with us and he said he thought that it was a neckless worn by a new bride. I have always thought that there must be something in the center as it is certainly made to include an obvious enclosed void. One more question: Any idea what the age may be? Thank you again.
Nothing......we like to joke around here amidst all the serious help we do ! You spelled Necklace.....in error fid made a joke about a guy being Neck Less.... Holly asked if that was him ! Just a little humor...........that's all ! I did the same thing with the Bride comment....
Most ethnic jewellery was part of a woman's dowry, that is probably why he said it, it is generally a pretty safe bet. This is not a typical wedding necklace though. Kurdish wedding necklaces are composed of multiple chains, often with rows of coins suspended from each chain. The more the better. Wedding necklaces are often gold. Families who weren't rich could rent them for the ceremonies. Jewellery that has a strong talismanic purpose, like yours, could have been given, bought, and worn at any age. You need to be protected, no matter your age. So the bottom line is, we don't know if it was ever part of a dowry. My guess is 1950s-60s, but some parts could have been repurposed from older jewellery. As I said, it is a rare piece, and silver. I am glad you appreciate it. It is something special, to be treasured.
The search word Chaldean brings up a few similar, not certain this is correct. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/565694403169151117/
Wonderful, inh, great searching as always. I also found one described as Assyrian, with a Madonna. They could have been used by all Christian denominations in Iraq, of which there are quite a few.