Sri Lanka Jewellery

Quote: “The eclecticism and technical virtuosity shown in the jewellery of the regions are simply inconceivable. Is it not said that Sri Lanka is “the tear of India”?  The granulation and filigree attain perfection in these beautifully wrought necklaces.

‘Dance of the Peacock – Jewellery Traditions of India – Usha R Bala Krishnan, Meera Sushil Kumar’

Sri Lanka, Ceylonese Woman Adorned, Wearing Upper Body Tunic Over Sari, c. 1800’s

Sri Lanka, Young Tamil Girl, c. 1907 – Portrait by Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore

 https://indianamulets.com.au – Antique Indian Amulet, Ethnic Jewellery and Adornments

jasmineium3@bigpond.com

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I also have a shop on ETSY – JASMINEIUM – Antique Indian Amulets, Ethnic Jewellery and Adornments, listing Antique Indian Amulets, Indian and Himalayan Ornaments, Tibetan Gau or Ghau Boxes, Islamic, Central Asian Prayer Boxes and other Ethnic Tribal Jewellery.

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SRI LANKAN JEWELLERY

This page represents some of the Sri Lankan jewellery pieces from my collection over time. There is not much information available on examples of jewellery from the past of the beautiful craftsmanship in Sri Lankan (Ceylonese) Jewellery and Traditional Ornaments. It comprises a vast and complex assortment of pieces, having a distinct cultural identity. The jewellery of Sri Lanka constitutes a subgroup within the context of Indian ornamentation.

Kandyan jewellery comes from the hill capital of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The Kandyan Kingdom lasted till 1815 resulting in the original sets of jewellery and designs still being preserved and worn by Kandyan families today.

Kandyan jewellery is handmade and was designed specifically for the royal families.  It carries symbols of wealth, prosperity, grandeur, strength, well-being, solidarity, virtue, passion and valor. It is worn by women of royal or noble births.  The jewellery is highly sought after today with important pieces such as the bridal-set having become collector’s items.

Sri Lanka, Kandyan Chief and Family, c. 1800’s

Sri Lanka, Inhabitants of Kandy, Ceylon, c. 1880’s

 ANTIQUE INDIAN NECKLACE, RAJASTHAN PRAYER BOX, TAVIZ
ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER BEADS
Old Round Purple (Grape) Garnets, 105 cm (27″), 105 Grams (3.70 oz.)

Antique Indian Necklace, Rajasthan Prayer Box, Taviz

This is a beautifully made most probably early to mid 20th century necklace. It has components from India and Sri Lanka with a high grade silver prayer box amulet from Gujarat or Rajasthan and antique Sri Lanka silver beads and garnets. The center amulet taviz is in the round tube shape with six decorative bales. The amulet container is sealed and hollow with no wax element and quite heavy at approx. 30 grams approx. The granulation and decorative patterns on the front is very fine and of an exceptionally high standard. The taviz prayer box necklace has six antique Sri Lanka silver beads in between very old round purple (grape) garnets – the drilling holes have worn edges. I have identified the Sri Lanka beads as being from the southern part of Sri Lanka and are beautifully executed with the twisted open wire and granulation.

Visit SHOP – Price: USD $425.00

Sri Lanka, Sinhalese Lady, Kandy, c. 1880’s

A COLLECTOR’S ITEM – RARE
Early 1800.s – Just Beautiful

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER LAC BEADS NECKLACE
Large Cube and Fluted Melon Graded Beads, High Grade Silver
57 cm (22 1/2″) , 147 Grams

Antique Sri Lanka Silver Lac Beads Necklace

This is a early 19th century, silver lac beads necklace made with a thin outer silver layer over an inner wax substance from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. There are twenty five large cube and fluted melon beads graded in size and thirty silver spacer beads (also filled with lac). Some have the old method of dove tailing in the joins. The necklace has been strung on a fine but sturdy silver twisted wire and has a “S” hook clasp for closing.

Visit SHOP – Price: USD $950.00

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA NECKLACE, KILLOTAYA, LIME BOX (BETEL NUT) PENDANT
1800’s, Heirloom Harar Tribe Ethiopian Large Silver Lac Beads
 230 Grams (8.11 oz), 57 cm (22 1/2″)

Antique Sri Lanka Necklace, Killotaya, Lime Box Pendant

The above elaborately decorative chunam or the lime box (killotaya) from the 1800’s, is a small version of the high grade silver round flattened box with and attached chain and spatula called in Sri Lanka a Killotaya, and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands The large heirloom beads are known as Muria beads and are from a wedding necklace typically worn by the Harar people of Ethiopia. The spacer bicone beads are also from Ethiopia. These heirloom beads are very old and date from the 1800’s.

Visit SHOP – Price: USD $950.00

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA NECKLACE or BELT
Interlocking Cage Beads, Round Fluted Beads, Length: 79 cm (31″), Weight: 85 Grams

Antique Sri Lanka Silver Beads Necklace or Belt

This is a 19th or early 20th century, solid high grade silver man’s belt from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon). This can also be worn as a necklace. The fluted round beads are followed by interlocking cage beads, ending with large decorative heavy central closure bead (as detailed in listing photo No. 7). The beads are strung on a 4 mm high grade silver fine herringbone plaited cord. The belt unlocks at the center bead with a screw through the bead. This makes it almost invisible. The screw is very secure and turns anti clockwise to unscrew.

Visit SHOP – Price: USD $895.00

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA TAVIZ AMULET NECKLACE
Kandy, Sinhalese, Prayer Box Amulets, Fluted Bicone Beads
51 cm (201″) High Grade Silver Snake Chain, 75 Gram (2.465 oz.)

Antique Sir Lankan Taviz Amulet Necklace

This is a necklace circa 19th century – very rare – with five silver taviz prayer box pendants and six high grade silver hollow fluted bicone beads alternatively strung on a fine high grade silver Snake Chain with a S hook for closing. The granulation work and filigree is of an exceptionally high standard and each taviz being decorated differently on all sides. The necklace hangs very well as it is quite heavy at 75 Grams.

Visit SHOP – Price:  USD $775.00

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA COPPER BEADS NECKLACE and MATCHING FINER RING
51 Grams, 65 cm (25 1/2″)

Antique Sri Lanka Copper Beads Necklace & Matching Finger Ring

Antique Sri Lanka Copper Beads Necklace, Matching Toe Ring

This is a antique, solid copper necklace and finger ring set from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands.  This type of Sri Lankan necklace is very hard to find today. It has a hook for closing.

Visit SHOP – Price:  USD $250.00

SOLD ITEMS

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER GILT NECKLACE
Silver Gilt Openwork Beads, Filigree, Granulation, 56 cm (22″), 124 Grams

Antique Sri Lanka Silver Gilt Crescent Necklace, 22ct Gilt Open Work & Bicone Beads

SOLD

This is a 19th century solid silver, originally gilded necklace from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands.  The central focal crescent shaped section of this Sinhalese necklace has six sides defined by a rows of very fine silver twisted wire. It is decorated with very fine filigree, silver granulation and platted silver wire (the same design on all six sides).  It has fine herringbone plaited, gilded, 5 mm rope chain (38 cm – 15″). The central crescent measures 20 cm (8″). Total length of the necklace 56 cm (22″).  There are four round open work gilded filigree beads, and four very fine gilded granulated bicone beads on the chain.

A VERY RARE NECKLACE for COLLECTORS

It is in fact not surprising that so many old glass beads found in Sri Lanka displays a magnificent cobalt blue color. This is the color of the Sri Lankan sapphire. The blue glass beads have drilled holes in spite of the fact that they are glass beads.

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA NECKLACE, MUGAPPU SIDE PENDANT
Silver Fluted Beads, Cobalt Cut Glass Beads, 55 cm (21 1/2″)

SOLD

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER GILT BEADS NECKLACE
Antique Ceylonese Necklace, Sinhalese, Kandy, 58 cm (23 1/2″), 46 Grams

SOLD

This is an early 20th century, silver gilt necklace from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. The necklace has three faceted bicone graded in size open end beads which are joined by interlocking and ending with 2 cone beads and three decorative small silver gilt beads. 

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA, KANDY, SILVER BEADS NECKLACE
Interlocking Beads, Bicone Beads, Filigree, Granulation,  74 cm (29″), 96 Grams

SOLD

Antique Sri Lanka Necklace, Interlocking Beads, Filigree, Granulation

This is a 19th century, solid silver necklace from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. The three round graded in size open end beads are joined by interlocking cage beads, ending with two bicone beads. The Sinhalese neckace is decorated with very fine filigree, silver granulation and platted silver wire. The necklace has silver side chain extensions with a herringbone plaited cord. The necklace unlocks at each end with a screw through the last bead extention. This makes it almost invisable.

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER GILT AMULETS NECKLACE
Taviz, 53 cm (21″) Silver Gilt Snake Chain, 46.6 Grams

SOLD

Antique Sri Lanka Silver Gilt Taviz Amulets Necklace

These are late 19th or early 20th century repousse cylinder amulet cases from Sri Lanka. The outer cases are fashioned from a high grade silver, heavy 18 ct gilt, stamped sheets. One amulet case has cut out work. The cylinders are ornamented with bands of repousse floral designs. The top section has three bales. The flat ends have a small granule on each end. The boxes open at one end the the silver gilt inner case slips out for the insertion of magical protective objects and manras. This type of double tube is also used in South Indian prayer boxes.

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SOLID SILVER NECKLACE
Sinhalese, Crescent, Filigree, Granulation, Mesh Chain, 80 Grams, (18“)

SOLD

Antique Sri Lanka Necklace, Solid Silver Crescent, Filigree

This is a 19th century, solid silver necklace from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. (A similar necklace is detailed in “Asian Jewellery, Ethnic Rings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Earrings, Belts, Head Ornaments from then Ghysels collection. Berenice Goeffroy-Schneiter dating to 19th century.) The central focal crescent shaped section of this Sinhalese necklace is decorated with very fine filigree, silver granulation and platted silver wire (the same design on both sides). It has silver side chain extensions with a herringbone plaited cord and an ‘S’ clip for closing. The stylized representation of individual buds from the fragrant jasmine flower are crafted with such precision and exactitude and are graded in size along the bottom border of the necklace.

SRI LANKA, SOLID SILVER CRESCENT NECKLACE
Sinhalese Filigree, Fine Braided Rope Chain, 56 cm (22″), 59 Grams

SOLD

Vintage Sri Lanka Silver Filigree Crescent Necklace

This is most probably a vintage – mid 20th century, solid silver necklace from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old most likely from the capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. The central focal crescent shaped section of this Sinhalese necklace has six sides and is decorated with very fine filigree, silver granulation and platted silver wire (the same design on all six sides). It has fine braided rope chain extensions (19 cm – 7 1/2″ each side including clasp) and an ‘S’ clip for closing.

VINTAGE SRI LANKA SILVER NECKLACE
Sinhalese Filigree Crescent Necklace, Ceylone, 56cm (22″), 59 Grams

SOLD

This is most probably a vintage – to mid 20th century, silver necklace from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands.  The central focal crescent shaped section of this Sinhalese neckace is decorated with fine filigree, silver granulation and twisted silver wire.  It has fine braided silver rope chain extensions, 21 cm (8 1/4″ ) each side and a decorated ‘S’ clip for closing, 3cm (1 1/8″ ).

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER FILIGREE BEADS NECKLACE
Antique Ceylonese Necklace, Sinhalese, Kandy, 64cm (25″), 59 Grams

SOLD

Antique Sri Lanka Silver Filigree Beads Necklace

Antique Sri Lanka silver filigree beads necklace from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. The necklace has seven beads, a center oval bead and four faceted bicone graded in size open end beads are joined by interlocking, ending with two cone beads.

VINTAGE SRI LANKA NECKLACE, PETHI MALE WEDDING NECKLACE
SINHALESE, KANDY, CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
High Grade Silver, Chain Length, 69 cm (27″), Weight 38 Grams (1.335 oz.)

Sri Lanka, Kandyan Woman, 1880’s, Wearing Several Pethi Male Necklaces

SOLD 

This is a mid 20th century high grade silver necklace from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. The elegant necklace is known as a Pethi Male – Petal Garland or Floral Petal pattern. This is one of the seven traditional wedding necklaces worn by Kandyan brides. The necklace has forty seven intricate units of two designs, separated by a round link which as been hand soldered closed. The units are the same on both sides – so there is no right or wrong side.

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER NECKLACE
Sri Lankan Mugappu Side Pendant Necklace
19 Large Silver Beads, 50 cm (19 1/2″), 112 Grams

SOLD

Antique Sri Lanka Mugappu Side Pendant Necklace

This is a 19th century, silver bead necklace from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon), known as a Mugappu side pendant necklace. The centre-piece (mugappu) is worn just below the right collar bone, so that it is clearly visible over the edge of a sari.  This necklace has only 19 hollow (no wax element) and decorated silver beads and is 50 cm (19 1/2″) long.  The necklace is in original condition and the handmade silver beads have been considerably dented over time and some of the beads have been repaired with silver patches and some have a few holes. Â There is extensive silver tarnishing on the necklace.

VINTAGE SRI LANKA CHOKER NECKLACE
Silver Gilt Padakam Pendant, Sinhalese, High Relief Repousse, Choker Length: 38 cm (15″), 56.2 Grams

SOLD

This is an vintage, early to mid 20th century example of a small padakam pendant traditionally worn by Sinhalese women from Kandy, the old capital city in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, (formerly Ceylon). It is known as in the “Kandyan Tradition” style with the high relief repousse silver gilt metalwork – almost three dimensional repousse. The detail is exceptional with the Sri Lankan silversmiths known for their exquisite jewellery making. The pendant is quite small – 4 cm (1 1/2″) in length, slightly convex with a separate backing plate and entirely covered by interlacings scrolling vines. It is fringed with a row of finely attached by silver wire green faux deep green pearl bead dangles. The choker linked chain decorated with floral units is 1.5 cm (5/8″) wide. The choker has some weight to it at 56.2 grams. This ling chain has been made with great care and each link join has been individually soldered closed.

SRI LANKA SILVER PADAKAM OR PENDANT
Central Katri Mala Flower, c. 1800’s
Sinhalese, Kandy, Finely Chased and High Relief Repousse, Snake Chain, 46cm (18″), 16.6 Grams

The pendant below was used to attach to the center front of the bodice at the neckline and worn by the Kandyan, Singhalese women of Sri Lanka.
The photo illustrates the pendant being used in this position.

Sri Lanka, Kandyan Lady with Padakam attached to her center bodice Neckline, c. 1800’s

SOLD

This is a very small, 19th century, fine example of a pendant traditionally worn by Sinhales women from Kandy, the old capital city in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, (formerly Ceylon).  It is known as in the “Kandyan Traditional” style with the high relief repousse silver metalwork. The centre was originally gilded.

RARE – A COLLECTOR’S ITEM
ANTIQUE SRI LANKA AMULET, PENDANT, SILVER FILIGREE, BONE or TOOTH
SRI LANKAN GENTLEMAN’S AMULET
c. 1800’s, 9 cm (1 1/2″) 64 cm (25″) Chain, 30.4 Grams (1.070 oz.)

SOLD

This is an early to late 19th century, silver filigree, bone crescent amulet from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and most probably from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. The amulet is decorated with fine filigree silver end caps and center band. The filigree decoration is beautifully executed. The silver content is 80- 92.5%.

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA NECKLACE PAALAKKA BEAD CHAIN
Low Grade Silver Gilt Beads, 94 cm (37″), 75.5 Grams

One of the traditional Kandyan Wedding Necklaces
The Paalakka bead chain is a long chain with gold colored beads

SOLD

This is a late 19th or early 20th century, low grade silver gilt necklace from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon) and from the old capital city of Kandy in the island’s central highlands. The necklace has twenty filigree open work beads which are joined by curb link chains. The Sinhalese necklace is decorated with filigree, silver twisted wire with end caps on each bead for linking.

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER TUBULAR PRAYER BOX AMULET CASE
18.3 Grams, 42 cm (18″) High Grade Silver Snake Chai

SOLD

This is a late 19th or early 20th century hexagonal tube amulet case from Sri Lanka. The outer case is fashioned from a silver stamped sheet. The tube is ornamented with five bands of repousse floral designs. The top section has three bales. This type of floral design is used quite extensively in Sri Lankan jewellery, ornaments and metal wares. The flat ends have a small granule on each end. The box slips out at one end and has a silver plated copper cylinder for the insertion of magical protective objects and mantras.

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA BRACELET, SINHALESE
Silver, Dark Blue Cut Glass Fluted Bicone Beads on Silver Wire,
 Kandy, 54.5 Grams

SOLD

This is a strand of circa 19th century – very rare – antique silver and indigo blue cut glass beads bracelet with 5 large, high grade silver hollow fluted bicone beads and 5 fluted bicone cut glass beads alternatively strung on silver wire. The design and style of these silver and cut glass beads match each other very well in size and shape. This type of bracelet was traditionally worn by Sinhales women from Kandy, the old capital city in Sri Lanka’s central highlands (formerly Ceylon).

MUSEUM EXAMPLES OF SRI LANKAN JEWELLERY

SRI LANKA BRACELET, 19TH CENTURY
National Museum of Scotland

SRI LANKA BRACELET, 19TH CENTURY
Glass, Purchased 1898, British Museum

SRI LANKA BRACELET, 19TH CENTURY
Glass, Purchased 1898, British Museum

SRI LANKA BRACELET, 19TH CENTURY
Glass, Purchased 1898, British Museum

SRI LANKA BEADS, 19TH CENTURY
Glass, Purchased 1898, British Museum

SRI LANKA BEADS, 19TH CENTURY
Glass, Purchased 1898, British Museum

SRI LANKA MAN’S WAIST CLASP

SRI LANKA BEADS, 19TH CENTURY
Glass, Purchased 1898, British Museum

SRI LANKA BEADS, 19TH CENTURY
Glass, Purchased 1898, British Museum

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA NECKLACE or WAISTBELT
Early 19th Century, V & A Museum, London

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA NECKLACE
c. 1800’s, Collections, Los Angeles County Museum of Art

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER INTERLOCKING BEADS NECKLACE
British Museum, London

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA GOLD FILIGREE NECKLACE

Victoria & Albert Museum -Â Necklace Height: 4 cm, Width: 12 cm.

This gold neck ornament said to have belonged to Sri Vikrama Raja Simha (1796- 1815). c. 1870’s© Victoria and Albert Museum, Museum Inventory No: IM.359-1920.

SRI LANKA, SOLID SILVER CRESCENT NECKLACE
Sinhalese Filigree, Fine Braided Rope Chain, 64 cm

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER NECKLACE
Sri Lankan Mugappu Side Pendant Necklace
Chinese Glass Beads, 32 cm

ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER NECKLACE
Sri Lankan Mugappu Side Pendant Necklace
Lapis Lazuli, 44 cm

A Kandyan Chief In His Finery – Stretched Canvas

Sri Lanka – Scowen & Co., Govenor’s Page Boy, Albumen Print,1880’s
Sri Lanka, Kandyan Chief with Pendant, Necklaces, c. 1800’s

Sri Lanka, Kandyan Chiefs

Sri Lanka, Kandyan Chiefs, c. 1870’s

Sri Lanka, Jaffna Women with Adornments, c. 1800’s

Sri Lanka Bracelets, Singhalese Lady, 19th Century

Sri Lanka, Kandyan Woman with Necklaces

MUSEUM PIECES OF SRI LANKAN JEWELLERY

Antique Sri Lanka Silver Beads Necklace, Quai Branly Museum, Paris

Antique Sri Lanka Silver Beads Necklace, Quai Branly Museum, Paris

Sri Lanka Necklaces, Colette and Jean Pierre Ghysels Collection

Sri Lanka, Gold Earrings, c. 1870’s, V&A Museum, London

Sri Lanka, Sinhalese Necklace, Gilt on Mesh Chain, 19th c. Bonhams

Sri Lanka, Silver Filigree Necklace, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sri Lanka Agasti Necklace, Gold, Agate, 1898, British Museum

Sri Lanka, Silver Bracelet, National Museum of Scotland

Sri Lanka Silver Bracelet, Purchased 1905, British Museum

Sri Lanka Bracelet, Crystal, Silver, Filigree – British Museum

Sri Lanka, Kandy, Slver Bracelet  Quai Branley Museum

Sri Lanka Bracelets, 19th Century, V&A Museum

Sri Lanka, Kandy, Pairs of Bracelets

Sri Lanka Hair Pins, Christies Auctions, October 2012

Sri Lanka, Silver Hair Pin, 1904 – British Museum

Sri Lanka, Sinhalese Hair Pin, National Museum of Scotland

Sri Lanka Hair Pins, National Museum, Colombo

Sri Lanka, Matara Diamonds Brooch, National Museum of Scotland

Sri Lanka, Toe Rings, c. 1800’s, V&A Museum

Antique Sri Lanka Silver Beads, Filigree, Granulation