There are few natural or manmade creations on the earth that share the unique personal image that the word ‘jewelry' brings to the mind's eye. Jewelry symbolizes the essence of personal decoration. It symbolizes skilled craftsmen. It is the giving of beauty. Jewelry means many things to many people. It comprises objects of precious metals and are often further embellished with gems that are worn for personal adornment: platinum, gold, silver, diamond, rubies, emeralds and semi-precious stones. Bedouin jewelry goes back many thousands of years in terms of tradition and a deeply-rooted culture. The Bedouin live in tribes from the atlantic of the Sahara to present-day Saudi Arabia. A hierarchy of these tribes live in the desert; in mountain areas as well as in the wilderness. They are hospitable, friendly people, always willing to be of help to others. Bedouin tribes prefer jewelry that is in silver and turquoise although they also favour stones which are reddish in color. They are also very partial to chains, beads and belts. Jewelry symbolizes their economic and marital status in Bedouin society. Each child is celebrated with jewelry and the jewelry is also believed to have special powers. They believe that jewelry turns bright or dark depending on one's personal mood and that ‘protective' colors are green, blue and red. All of Bedouin antique jewelry includes Islamic symbols which are manipulated by the craftsmen into geometric shapes and Islamic verses are also often concealed in some of the jewelry. The image of the ‘hand' in Bedouin necklaces is a talisman that has been represented for thousands of years in the history and tradition of Bedouin jewelry; the number five is represented by the hand and symbolizes the five pillars of Islam. Bedouin jewelry is also often worn in multiples of five for this very reason. Bedouin jewelry portrays an inherited mystery in the individual stones used as well as in the setting of a special piece. It can form one of the most personal gifts that one can buy, for themselves or for a loved one. For this reason, it is a highly collectable item in Riyadh, throughout the Kingdom and indeed, throughout the world because of its high quality and unique designs. In Riyadh, rare and antique Bedouin jewelry can be found in shops in the city center. Bedouin jewelry experts are also available to guide and advise the costumer within these stores. The most expensive and best quality of Bedouin jewelry is of museum standards and there are a number of museum throughout the world that showcase rare and beautiful pieces. The designs speak of a lost and almost forgotten civilizations and era.
