I found this vintage Indian silver gau box while traveling in southeast Asia. This beautiful hand crafted gau was part of an older piece of jewelry or ceremonial piece. I have beaded this gau with traditional natural Chinese turquoise in a variety of oval and flat beads.

The gau has a traditional design on the front with inlaid round beads around a centeral turquoise nugget. It is 1 3/8” wide by 2” tall and the necklace is 21 1/2” around. There is a beautiful silver worked design all arodud the pendant. The back cannot be removed as it is glued together so it doesn't come open when you are wearing it. This necklace makes bold and unique statement and is wearable art as well as a collector’s piece.

Indians and Tibetans often wear a prayer box, or portable shrine, known as Gau (or Ghau or Gao), amulets (protectors) usually made of silver. They have very ornate designs, often inlaid with precious gemstones.. The gau is worn as a necklace. The backing can be removed so a prayer, sacred symbol or mantra given to the wearer by a Buddhist priest can be placed inside. Often when the prayer is answered the back is slashed to allow the prayer to escape to help someone else so it is very hard to find these pieces intact. Tibetans have been skilled silversmiths for centuries. Their gau or prayer boxes are amulets and protective properties. The Gau is worn as a necklace, with the box hanging in front of the heart. The are wonderful pieces of art that have a history as well.

Turquoise is the birthstone of December as well as the zodiacal stone for Sagittarius. It is believed to attract wealth, love and power. Chinese turquoise is known for its variation of color. The colors can range from a deep blue green to a green and even a brown. It often has patterns of brown or black in the natural stone. Its variation of shade makes for a versatile piece of jewelry to be worn with many colors and styles of dress. Worn traditionally with antique Indian and Tibetan silver, Chinese turquoise, with its beautiful rich color, makes a dramatic fashion statement. Turquoise is always in fashion throughout the seasons and over the years.