Nomadic Himalayan tribes wore their wealth in the form of jewelry—often turquoise, called gyu in Tibetan—that could be easily carried and exchanged. So highly regarded is turquoise in Tibetan culture that the blue of the sky is referred to as ''the turquoise of heaven.'' Using faux versions of turquoise and amber, Tibetan refugees living in India create this substantial and bold jewelry in a Mongolian-influenced but modern style.

18"L