Shambhala Bracelet

This exotic multi-strand cuff bracelet is a vivid and alluring piece of artisan jewelry filled with the soul of the Himalayan kingdom. Deep rich hues, antique brass and beautifully handcrafted brass and olive jade beads from Nepal make this one-of-a-kind bracelet a truly magnificent piece of ethnic artwork.

Nepalese and Tibetan beadwork has a very unique flavor that cannot be mistaken. Most of the beads are made of jade, turquoise, amber, lapis and coral and then capped with intricately engraved brass or silver bead caps. These beautiful olive jade beads are set with solid brass caps and were made in Nepal by a local artisan. The lady from whom I purchased these Tibetan beads works directly with Nepalese artisans to help them promote their handicrafts and insure that they receive fair wages for their detailed artwork. Each of these beads is individually handmade so each bead is slightly different from the next. I may be able to make similar bracelets, but these beads will definitely vary. And that is why I have made it one-of-a-kind.

The red tube beads are made from the buri seed that comes from the buri palm which is native to the Philippines. These beads are dyed this vivid blue color and then lacquered to obtain the shiny finish. The black at the bead ends is the natural color of the buri seeds. Buri palm trees are abundant in many parts of the Philippines and buri weaving is a traditional industry in many of these towns where such items as baskets, hats, bags and hula skirts are created from the palm fronds.

I have used antique brass beads from Ethiopia to complement the brass accents on the Nepalese beads. These beads are made by hand in villages in Ethiopia and they have definite handmade character with some visible seams and pinching. The spacer bars are all gold-plated and antiqued pewter and add to the antiqued feel of the piece.

Shambhala is a Sanskrit work meaning "place of peace and happiness" and in Tibetan Buddhist tradition is a mythical kingdom of perfection somewhere beyond the Himalayas. From what I understand, the story of Shangri-la is based on the immortal concept of Shambhala. With the spectacular, almost surreal colors of this piece and the fact that the focal beads are from Nepal, I thought this would be an appropriate name.

This cuff-style bracelet closes with a lobster clasp and will be adjusted to fit your wrist measurement.