Antique Tibet Buddha panel necklace turquoise stones red glass

Each articulated panel features a Buddha figure in a yoga meditation position and measures 2 inches by 1.75 at its widest. Each section is inlaid with what looks like real turquoise stones, although the coral I believe is glass. It closes with a hook clasp at 21 inches, and is in amazing condition for its age, with only a few missing stones that I can see. These were intentionally made with imperfections, as it is against their religion to make a representation perfect. It had been the custom to wear one at your wedding.

The last one of these Tibet necklaces we came across had carved faces but was much less substantial than this one is. We have an acquaintance from China that we asked to get us some of these in his trips back home, but were told that you don't see them there anymore. They have all been exported, and it's hard to find anything like this anywhere.