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The Openwork Crescents of Afghanistan

The delicate openwork form and colorful glass create a decoration that combines the severity of tribal craftsmanship with the lightness of the silver construction.
Origin: Afganistan
SKU: KL-1542
The delicate openwork form and colorful glass create a decoration that combines the severity of tribal craftsmanship with the lightness of the silver construction.
SKU: KL-1542
Origin: Afganistan
  • Material type:
    srebro
  • Gemstones:
    szkło
  • Earwires:
    zamknięte
  • Earwire thickness:
    1 mm
  • Historical Status:
    zabytkowe
  • Condition:
    bardzo dobry
  • Length:
    5 cm
  • Width:
    3 cm
  • Height:
  • Weight:
    16.7 g

The Openwork Crescents of Afghanistan

Silver earrings with a crescent shape are characteristic examples of jewelry produced in the Afghan regions. Their construction is made of a thin wire hoop, to which a decorative disc composed of several segments is attached. This disc is partially filled with metal plates and openwork elements creating a decorative pattern.

The most striking color accents are small glass beads set in silver settings. Intense green and red are common in jewelry from Afghanistan and neighboring regions, where colored glass replaced precious stones. Such elements introduce a strong color contrast to the otherwise austere silver design.

The openwork sections of the earrings are made of thin wire, hand-formed into tiny loops and arcs. This technique allowed for a light, almost lace-like effect in the metal. The lower part of the crescent moon is additionally embellished with a row of small silver spheres, creating a distinctive decorative band.

The visible patina and slight irregularities in the details of the design indicate handcrafted work in a traditional workshop. The earrings are an example of tribal jewelry from Afghanistan, where simple silverworking techniques combine with the decorative lightness of openwork patterns.