This pair of extraordinary earrings is an original handicraft of the Hazareks – a people inhabiting central Afghanistan who have cultivated their own culture, language, and jewelry art for centuries. Crafted from silver estimated at approximately 800 fineness, these earrings showcase their raw beauty and centuries-old tradition. Their form remains faithful to the aesthetic typical of the region: massive, richly decorated, with a distinct geometric and symbolic emphasis.
The focal point of each earring is a red crystal set in a serrated frame, surrounded by rhythmically placed rosette-shaped protrusions with micro-details. Surrounding them are granulated decorations and secondary small red beads, which served a protective function in ancient beliefs. The movable pendants, tipped with round plates, create a light, resonant effect – not only aesthetically pleasing, but also warding off "evil spirits."
Although this jewelry was not created based on classical jewelry standards, its craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail testify to the vast knowledge passed down through generations of Hazara artisans. Each piece was shaped by hand, using basic tools, without the use of industrial solders – yet the entire piece has survived decades virtually intact.
These earrings are not only adornment but also a testament to identity. The Hazara – a people persecuted and isolated for centuries – found in their jewelry a way to maintain their spiritual independence. Such ornaments were not mass-produced, but ordered individually, often as part of a wedding dowry or as a keepsake passed down from mother to daughter.
Today, such items are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain – many disappear into private collections or are melted down. Their value stems not only from the material, but also from the unique story they carry. This particular pair is an example of jewelry with a soul, where every scratch or discoloration tells a fragment of a story about a world slowly fading into oblivion.
For a collector, a lover of ethnic art, or someone seeking something absolutely unique, these earrings will be not only a decoration but also a carrier of cultural memory and an artifact that cannot be faked.