Antique Yemeni Bedouin Silver Hirz Amulet Jewelry Set — World Traveler Estate Find

Embrace the mystery, history, and raw texture of the Arabian Peninsula with this captivating Antique Yemeni Bedouin Tribal Silver Jewelry Set. Handcrafted by regional silversmiths in the early-to-mid 20th century, this statement set tells a beautiful story of travel, protection, and time.

The focal point of the necklace is an authentic, hollow cylindrical "Hirz" (Ta'wiz) amulet box — historically worn by Bedouin women to safely carry protective prayers, blessings, or Quranic verses. The pendant is suspended from a heavy, beautifully constructed 21-inch strand of hollow tribal silver spheres and intricate wire-wrapped spacer elements. Accompanied by a coordinating pair of long dangle earrings, this set offers a powerful, high-contrast bohemian look that instantly commands attention.

We discovered this exquisite ensemble at a private estate sale of a lifelong world traveler in California. It carries a gorgeous, authentic, naturally weathered patina that only true time-worn antiquities possess.

Details

• Origin: Yemen / Arabian Peninsula
• Period: Early-to-mid 20th century
• Necklace Length: 21 inches end to end — a prominent, elegant drape that frames the collarbone beautifully
• Combined Set Weight: 3.9 oz (approx. 110.5 g) — substantial, heavy weight that feels incredibly solid and premium when worn
• Closure: Traditional hook and loop style
• Metal: Traditional Bedouin "tribal silver" — a lower-purity regional silver alloy typically melted from old coins and mixed with copper and nickel. Not chemically tested for exact purity; sold strictly as an antique ethnic collectible.

Condition

Because this is a genuine, community-worn tribal piece rather than a modern commercial reproduction, it possesses unique character variations that document its historical life. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the condition description.

• Asymmetrical Earrings: The dangle earrings are artfully mismatched — one finishes in a classic round bead base, while the other tapers into a tiered, cone-shaped bell. This suggests a historical period repair or an intentional marriage of cherished heirloom components.
• Missing Charm Accent: The necklace pendant is missing one small dangling accent bell on its far-right loop. The original jump ring remains intact, allowing for easy restoration if desired. Left exactly as found to preserve antique integrity.

Care & Shipping

• Care: To maintain the stunning dark-etched antique patina, wipe gently with a dry microfiber cloth only. Do not submerge in water or use harsh liquid chemical jewelry cleaners.
• Shipping: Safely nestled in a secure jewelry gift box and shipped promptly with tracking and insurance.

Comparable Market Value (CMV)

To provide context for our pricing, we researched comparable antique Yemeni and Bedouin tribal silver jewelry sets across leading auction houses and secondary markets. Comparable pieces — particularly complete necklace-and-earring sets featuring authentic Hirz amulet pendants with substantial weight and documented estate provenance — consistently trade in the following ranges:

• Christie's / Sotheby's: Antique Yemeni tribal silver jewelry sets with amulet pendants have achieved $400–$900+ at auction, with heavier, complete sets commanding the upper range. (christies.com, sothebys.com)
• Bonhams: Islamic and Middle Eastern tribal silver lots, including Yemeni Hirz amulet necklaces, have sold in the $300–$700 range depending on weight, completeness, and provenance. (bonhams.com)
• 1stDibs: Antique Bedouin and Yemeni silver amulet necklace sets are listed by vetted dealers at $450–$1,200+, with heavier estate-provenance examples at the higher end. (1stdibs.com)
• eBay (Sold Listings): Comparable Yemeni tribal silver Hirz amulet necklace sets in good antique condition have sold in the $200–$600 range, with complete sets and heavier weights trending toward the top of that range. (ebay.com)
• Etsy (Sold Listings): Antique Bedouin silver amulet necklaces with matching earrings have sold from established vintage dealers at $250–$650. (etsy.com)

Our price of $500 reflects the substantial combined weight (3.9 oz / 110.5 g), the rarity of a complete necklace-and-earring set, the authenticated estate provenance, and the exceptional naturally developed patina — positioning this piece firmly within, and at the lower end of, the comparable dealer and auction market for pieces of this quality and completeness.