This is a large and beautiful piece of Tibetan Turquoise.
Turquoise, in many cultures, is thought to be a gem that unites the earth and sky. Its metaphysical properties are believed to uplift mind, body and spirit.
Tibetan Turquoise tends to appear in earthy blue or green hues, often with darker inclusions. This particular piece has a beautiful continent-like pattern with more green than blue, and rusty inclusions. The stone is framed by a weave of metallic dark bronze-tone Delica beads, with an intricate tassel drop containing faceted garnet, Austrian crystal and crimson dyed freshwater pearl. The beading is done by hand with skill and precision, using slow-fashion techniques of weaving glass micro-beads, one bead at a time, and securely framing the stone without the use of glue.
The pendant has a front and back side, as shown in photos. There is a groove down the back of the stone which, I learned from my suppliers in India, is present in many Tibetan Turquoise cabochons because they are exported from Tibet as beads, and cut into cabochon stones once in Rajasthan.
This is a 3x4cm stone; the pendant measures 3cm wide by 10cm long to the bottom of the tassels. The chain is woven from rich dark-bronze glass beads and genuine garnet. It is adjustable with a long drop-down-the-back when worn at the shortest length of 43cm--while the length can adjust all the way to 72cm. The pendant fastens with a beaded toggle closure.