Jewellery of Tibet and the Himalayas presents the traditional jewellery of the region in all its splendour and the fascinating stories of trade, conquest, faith and fortune that lie behind it. John Clarke has travelled widely in the region and his fascinating text discusses the connection of jewellery to religion and folk beliefs and its rich and many-layered symbolism. Drawing together historical texts and the oral traditions of living Tibetan and Himalayan craftsmen, he paints a picture of the lives of the native goldsmiths and jewellers and how their craft, and the manner in which the jewellery was worn has changed. This beautifully illustrated book contains commissioned photography and draws on the finest examples from the V&A and other British collections, both public and private. It brings into the spotlight one of the richest decorative traditions of the world which is increasingly appreciated and emulated in the West.