Necklace (Khafaband) and Ring, Bukhara: 19th century

Bokhara, Israel Museum, Catalogue, no. 39, Jerusalem;  1967; Ben Ami, Alia, ed., In All Their Finery: Jewels from the Jewish World, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 2005.

Despite being virtually cut off from the rest of the Jewish world for more than 2,500 years the Bukharan Jews of Central Asia nevertheless managed, against tremendous odds, to preserve their Israelite identity. Over these centuries spent outside the mainstream, these Jews developed distinctive costumes, jewelry, woven silks, and embroidered fabrics. These objects often served as a reflection of an individual's wealth within the community. Jewelry in particular formed an important part of any Bukharan girl's dowry.  In advance of the wedding, wealthy families would invite a goldsmith to reside in their home where he would remain until the jewelry for the dowry was completed. The jewelry, comprising gold, pearls and colorful semiprecious stones remained the private property of the bride for life. It was proudly worn on holidays and special occasions and was bequeathed to her daughters upon her death.