Turkmenistan

Gilt Silver Bracelet with Carnelians

Such items were given to girls as part of their dowries when they got married, and as the couple's wealth increased, more items were added to the collection. Such jewelry includes this cuff bracelet. In Turkmen society, a woman's income and social status is represented by her cuff bracelet. The more the cuff bracelets a bride sports, the more wealthy and powerful her family is thought to be.

Items like this cuff bracelet were traditionally presented to girls as part of their dowries upon marriage. As the couple's wealth grew, additional pieces of jewelry were incorporated into the collection. Among these items are cuff bracelets, which hold a special significance in Turkmen society. A woman's financial standing and social status are symbolized by the cuff bracelets she wears. The greater the number of cuff bracelets adorning a bride, the higher the perception of her family's wealth and influence.

Cuff bracelets in Turkmen culture provide a unique link to the concept of portable and redeemable wealth. These bracelets are not just adornments but also indicators of a family's prosperity and power. They serve as tangible assets that can be worn and displayed, reflecting the family's financial strength and social status. As the family's wealth increases, additional cuff bracelets are added, further enhancing the family's position in society. In this way, these jewelry pieces represent both a form of portable wealth that can be worn and a symbol of the family's redeemable wealth and influence within the community.