West Asian Sun Disc Beaded Necklace (68.5cm Length)

Nepalese Malachite Beaded Necklace Length: 43cm. Weight: 79.4g Purchased in 2022 for NT$40,000 by Puti, to support an 80-year-old Tzu Chi Buddhist practitioner sister. This sister, despite her advanced age, lives alone but remains remarkably healthy and active, volunteering many days a week at Tzu Chi. She mentioned that this malachite beaded necklace was acquired over 40 years ago during a trip to Nepal. The local shopkeeper described it as jewelry-grade malachite, priced by weight. Upon hearing her story, it became clear she had paid a considerable sum back then. Over 40 years ago, malachite was not widely available. Nepalese merchants introduced this gemstone as an alternative to turquoise. Its value was indeed high, even in Taiwan, during its early days. Like crystals, its market value has declined over the years as overseas mines yielded increasing quantities, and the lack of scarcity drove prices down. ********************* Stored in a jewelry box for 2 years. Rediscovered today while searching for something. Offering it at a significant discount. $32,000 - 10.12.2023