Description

African unisex choker necklace, made with African vinyl, silver plated heishi beads, brushed finish, genuine natural lapis lazuli gemstone beads, sea shell discs and, as pendant, an old Cowrie shell with nice patina and primitive back cut. Length 19.5 inches. (50 cm.)

Since the earliest of times Lapis Lazuli has been associated with strength and courage, royalty and wisdom, intellect and truth.

The cowrie shell is thought to be one of the world’s oldest currencies. In Ancient Africa, they were traded for goods just like the dollar is today, and their use quickly spread to other civilizations.
Royals from African and American cultures also wore rows of these shells to signify wealth, prosperity, and protection. According to the ancient Hausa proverb: “Whoever is patient with a cowrie shell will one day have thousands of them”.