7 Facts About Ethiopian Jewelry

1. Ethiopian gold and silver smiths are usually men from Askum in Northern Ethiopia.

2. Gold is esteemed in the Ethiopian society, being a popular gift for weddings, graduations ceremonies, child baptism, awards and other events.

3. Popular Ethiopian jewelry ere earrings (tsirur) , pendants (dinble), crosses, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, rings, wedding rings (yegabcha kelebet).

4. An Ethiopian woman about to get married is usually given jewelry as a form of insurance. It also reflects the status and wealth of a married woman.

5. Gold jewelry is worn on the neck, fingers, forehead to Accessorise the Ethiopian Sunday Best dress or Kemis and shawl (shema).

6. The Ethiopian Artisans use the wax casting method to make the jewelry. This method involves the following steps:

The designed piece is molded with wax, encased in clay and left n the sun to dry. Hot metal is then poured into a hole at the top of the casing.

This metal melts the wax inside, taking over the shape of the wax. The cast is then broken to retrieve the jewelry after the metal has cooled.

7. Gold and silver jewelry are sold according to weight. Approved gold quality standards is from 18 carat.