Antique Silver Lazim Necklace from Yemen with Five Hanging Amulets - Rita Okrent Collection (NE609)

Antique silver and glass lazim necklace from Yemen with 5 hanging amulets, 3 central filigree decorative panels, two side filigree panels and loads of silver spacers.

Very wearable (as is) as a choker or short necklace. Circa early 1900's. Sourced in the 1980's.

Oval amulet includes the word COINTREAU (likely from a vintage glass bottle of the famous brand). Also includes cylindrical prayer amulets, a floral amulet and a red glass nugget amulet, all with metal dangles. The prayer amulets do not open.

Length including string - 24 inches / 61 cm / 10.5 inches /27 cm excluding string. Weight: 165 grams.

In the 19th century, until their final exodus to Israel in the 1950s, Jewish silversmiths made most of the jewelry in the Yemen. They were particularly renowned for the quality of their filigree work. This type of necklace, called a lazim or lazem, is one of the traditional styles made by the Jewish silversmiths.

References: Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry, Ransom, Marjorie, AUC Press, 2014.

Necklace Item 609