'Elaborate antique earrings'

While modern Uzbek women are not dripping with numerous gems and trinkets in the tradition of their forebears, they continue to regard jewellery, and earrings in particular, as an essential part of a woman's attire. Khorezmian earrings are distinct and mark out women from Khorezm from those living in other areas of the country. The large hooped design has its origins in the nose rings that were worn by most women until the Soviets discouraged their usage as backward and singularly unSoviet.

'Hooped antique earrings'
'Antique nose ring'	'Antique nose rings'

Each earring comprises a gold hoop decorated with either one or two layers of stones and small golden balls. By far the most favourite stone is turquoise which superbly offsets the Khorezm women's dark skin and hair. Earrings are made either from the reddish Russian gold or the more yellow Uzbek gold. Antique Uzbek gold is most favoured and is obtained by melting down gold coins used in the days of the khans. Because the Uzbek gold is softer, the craftsmen can form tiny golden balls which make the earrings heavier and more expensive but infinitely more beautiful.

Every girl has her ears pierced from the age of two or three and wears small golden hoops or studs until she is presented with a special pair of earrings when she is married. For the majority of women, these are the only earrings they possess and are worn every day. If a woman wants a change then her wedding earrings are sold or exchanged for another pair.

While some young brides-to-be are opting for the more modern designs of large red stones or clusters of diamonds, the traditional hooped earrings continue to be the distinguishing feature of Khorezm women. Generally they are made to order by specialist craftsmen but sometimes cheaper silver versions are for sale in the bazaar and museums.

'Modern design'

'Earrings with the small black and white stone to ward off the evil eye'

Tour Links
	'The Khan's Mint (Kunya Ark)'
Guidebook Links
	'Antique Jewellery'
	'Weddings and Kelins'