Lot #20: Jewelry including Scarabs and Afghan Necklace.

This lot features several vintage brooches bursting with color and spark - an aquamarine starfish, a large "diamond" flower, a bulging bouquet, and two pair of scarab pendants, one of slate- enclosed with a metal band, the other a dung beetle, probably glazed soapstone - both with hieroglyphs inscribed on the underside. A well-made 6.5"L vintage blue rhinestone bracelet with large faceted teardrop stones secured in a silver-tone metal frame with prongs. The row of teardrops is bordered on top and bottom by a strip of lighter blue round rhinestones. Double security with fold-over "box" clasp and a chain. A 6"W x 4" x 2" H glass hinged trinket box with turquoise soldered panels and etched floral glass. A rhinestone tennis bracelet with box clasp, and two silver chains. An then the Afghan necklace in mint condition. . The Rupee on the necklace was representative prior 1925. The Afghan Afghani (AFN), replaced the Afghan rupee in 1925. The Taliban, which took control in 2021, has banned the use of foreign currencies, including the Pakistani rupee, in local transactions, enforcing the use of the Afghani. This item is permitted to use the rupee as decorations because these pieces are considered nomadic art, historical heirlooms, or cultural heritage items rather than currency in circulation, allowing them to bypass modern bans on foreign money. According to our research. this tradition, often associated with Kuchi (nomadic) tribes, uses coins primarily for their metal value (silver) and aesthetic, acting as a display of wealth, a protective amulet, and a reflection of a history of trade along the Silk Road. Pickup category timeslot {B}