Bedouin Jewelry in Beirut

Many people like to buy the specialty jewelry of Beirut and this is called Bedouin jewelry. This type of jewelry is quite old and hence much in demand for its class. Bedouin jewelry consists of exquisite pieces made from coral, carnelian, intricate silver work and pretty stones. These pieces have been recovered from the sand during the Bedouin’s movements many years ago. Nowadays this handmade jewelry is quite rare to find and hence the prices are high. It is evident that the Bedouins are themselves exchanging this jewelry for modern pieces.

Many artisans are remodeling the Bedouin jewelry and making them into new pieces. Even majority of the artisans who made such jewelry are retiring. Most of the Bedouin jewelry now lies in museums and with private collectors. In fact, there are silversmiths in Beirut who are melting down the Bedouin jewelry and then making new designs.

There is now lesser number of people in Beirut who are interested in Bedouin jewelry. This is because the lifestyle of the people has changed significantly. Bedouins are however keen to sell their jewelry nevertheless. The women in the Bedouin tribe also exchange jewelry pieces for other goods such as food.

Many of the Bedouin designs in Beirut go back to the ancient time of southern Iraq. Another influence of the jewelry was Rome. Some of the designs are similar to the designs worn by the Caesars in those days. Today there is a large variety of Bedouin jewelry that has evolved over hundreds of years. For example there is unique jewelry available in Beirut such as silver pendants for your hair, crowns with encrusted stones, antique coins with jagged edges, belts, bracelets and intricate chokers. Belts are a little rare but silver is quite rare and belts gobble up more of silver.