The Newar people are the indigenous, mostly Hindu people of Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. Newar maintain a creative and diversified culture where a…

The Newar people are the indigenous, mostly Hindu people of Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. Newar maintain a creative and diversified culture where a family's historical profession is identified by their last name. For example, Chitrakars were once the painters and Shakyas the sculptors. Once this surname distinction took the form of a caste system, but such hierarchy is now considered taboo, and a Newar's last name no longer strictly determines his or her future or place in society. Newar artists and architects are believed to have originated the traditional Asian pagoda form, and their thanka paintings (used in worship) and metal crafts have been much appreciated for centuries.

While many Newar craftsmen work at home, these delicate mandala earrings are made in a collaborative studio (which also provides housing for those who need it, as well as…

While many Newar craftsmen work at home, these delicate mandala earrings are made in a collaborative studio (which also provides housing for those who need it, as well as family health care). Starting with a sterling silver disk, each earring and pendant is hand shaped and carved by a master craftsman using an array of jewelry tools. The open spaces are first cut away by a process known as airy: the mandala pattern is first laid onto the silver disk using a special powder. Then, after carefully drilling a small hole to start, a narrow cutting wire is inserted and mounted to a jewelry saw; and the craftsman proceeds to carefully saw away the areas that are to be open. Final details are carved into the face of the mandala with a small hammer and shaping tools, and finally, a garnet cabochon is mounted at the center.

In the Tibetan spiritual tradition, the mandala shape is used as an aid to meditation. As a microcosm of the spiritual universe, the geometric pattern of a mandala represents…

In the Tibetan spiritual tradition, the mandala shape is used as an aid to meditation. As a microcosm of the spiritual universe, the geometric pattern of a mandala represents the metaphysical cosmos. Each of the four tiny clouds in the pattern represent gates leading to enlightened awareness at the center. where the garnet gemstone may symbolize the ultimate unity of all things. The meditator envisions him or herself on the journey to that center in an attempt to experience an awakened state, or Buddha nature.

The fiery red gemstone of January, garnet actually describes a range of stones and colors. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all considered it the traveler's stone for…

The fiery red gemstone of January, garnet actually describes a range of stones and colors. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all considered it the travelers stone for the belief that it could protect the wearer from evil. Although some of the most striking examples are found in Africa, garnet from Bohemia was much in demand during the 18th century, when designs often featured many small stones set in clusters like pomegranate seeds. Today artisans in jewelry-making centers in India, Indonesia, Russia, and elsewhere use garnet—fiery red, earthen brown, and even a brilliant green favored by Tiffany and Faberge—to create vintage- and ethnically inspired new designs.