In Tibet, turquoise (called gyu) and coral are two of the most highly valued materials. Turquoise has been used as currency, and coral is a precious trade object in this landlocked mountainous country. Nomadic people of the region frequently wear many pieces of turquoise and coral jewelry at once, as spiritual protection and as a way to keep their wealth at hand. By pairing faux versions of these stones with carnelian and handmade nickel and silver-plated beads, jewelers living on the Tibetan/Indian border re-create this traditional Himalayan design. 24''L.