What is the estimated value of this Yemeni Bedouin necklace?

This Mid-20th Century Yemeni Bedouin 'Muthallath' amulet necklace has an estimated market value between $300 and $500. This valuation is based on recent comparable sales of similar authentic tribal jewelry on online marketplaces. The estimate considers its good condition and cultural significance, while also noting the unconfirmed precise silver content and bead material.

What era is this Yemeni Bedouin necklace from?

This authentic Yemeni Bedouin necklace dates to the mid-20th century. Its construction, materials, and hand-chased foliate decoration are highly consistent with tribal silverwork from that period in Southwestern Arabia. The distinctive 'Muthallath' amulet form and use of coral-style beads are characteristic of traditional adornment from this era, reflecting its cultural heritage.

What condition is this Yemeni Bedouin necklace in?

The necklace is in good overall condition, typical for an ethnographic piece of its age. It displays a natural, dark patina and oxidation on all metal components, along with expected surface wear like minor nicks and dulling on the beads. The hand-chased decoration on the pendant is softened from handling but remains legible. It is complete and structurally sound.

Where should I sell this Yemeni Bedouin necklace?

For this Yemeni Bedouin necklace, online marketplaces such as eBay or Etsy are the most recommended platforms. These sites provide direct access to a global base of collectors interested in ethnographic and tribal jewelry, allowing sellers to maximize net proceeds by avoiding traditional auction house fees. A similar piece recently sold on Etsy for approximately $450.

What is the cultural significance of a 'Muthallath' amulet?

The 'Muthallath' is a triangular amulet pendant, deeply significant in Yemeni and Southwestern Arabian culture. It served primarily as a protective talisman, believed to deflect the 'evil eye' and bring good fortune to the wearer. Beyond its protective function, such necklaces were also important symbols of identity, social status, and portable wealth for tribal women.

Is this Yemeni necklace made of real silver and coral?

The pendant and metal elements appear consistent with a low-grade silver alloy, common for 'Bedouin silver' of the mid-20th century. The red beads are of a traditional coral-style material. While they could be genuine Mediterranean coral, period imitations in glass or synthetics were also widely used. Physical testing is required for definitive confirmation of both materials.

Yemeni Bedouin Silver and Coral-Style 'Muthallath' Amulet Necklace

Estimated value: $300 - $500. Yemeni Bedouin Silver and Coral-Style 'Muthallath' Amulet Necklace (Mid-20th Century) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Decorative Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This necklace is a powerful example of traditional Yemeni Bedouin adornment from the mid-20th century. Worn by a tribal woman in the Arabian Peninsula, it was far more than a simple piece of jewelry; it was a potent talisman, a symbol of identity, and a store of family wealth. The large triangular pendant, known as a 'Muthallath,' was designed as a protective amulet to deflect the 'evil eye' and bring good fortune. Its surface is decorated with flowing, plant-like motifs that speak to life and prosperity. The vibrant red beads, whether precious coral from the Mediterranean or a valued trade substitute, were believed to hold protective powers, enhancing vitality and fertility. The dangling charms were not only decorative but also functional, creating a soft chiming sound with the wearer's movement, thought to frighten away unseen spirits. This necklace connects its owner to a rich history of nomadic life, skilled artisanship, and a deeply symbolic visual language passed down through generations.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on recent sales of comparable mid-20th century Yemeni and Bedouin tribal necklaces on online marketplaces such as eBay and Etsy, which is the primary market for this type of ethnographic jewelry. Prices for similar complete examples typically fall within the $300 to $500 range. A highly comparable example sold for $428. Another, though of higher quality filigree work, sold for approximately $486. A much finer, multi-strand bridal piece that sold for $4,400 was reviewed but considered a different category of object and not used as a direct anchor for this valuation. The estimate reflects the uncertainty regarding the precise silver content and bead material. With a low estimate of $300, a reserve price of $240 would be appropriate for auction. After a typical seller's commission of 10-15%, net proceeds would likely be between $255 and $450.

Comparable sales

This is a very large double-strand Tibetan prayer bead necklace featuring 12 large beads (1" x 3/4"), 6 medium beads (3/4" x 1/2"), and 18 smaller beads interspersed with metal beads of varying sizes and design. It includes a large metal pendant with a fringe of "bells" and a central reddish stone, with three other stones missing from the pendant. The pendant measures approximately 5 1/2" high (in — sold for — (eBay), 2026-07-28
This is an amazing antique piece that the seller's mother found in Uzbekistan many years ago, possibly in Tashkent or the surrounding area. It measures 5-1/2" from tip to tip of the triangle bottom, 4" on the triangle sides, and approximately 3" from the center tip to the base. The small items hanging from the base are about 1-1/2", making the total length approximately 16". One side of the piece — sold for — (eBay), 2026-07-09
This is a unique, authentic, old Yemeni ethnic tribal antique silver necklace with coral and turquoise. It is handpicked by LotusArtsLondon, vintage from the 1900s, and made with silver and coral. It has an interlocking closure and a bead chain style, with a length of 51 centimeters. — sold for $486.83 (Etsy UK), 2026-02-25
This is a vintage Yemenite silver necklace from the 1910s, handcrafted with silver and adorned with coral and glass. It features a pendant that is 5 inches long, with additional 5-inch chains hanging from the bottom. The necklace length is 20 inches. It is described as a rare heirloom piece. — sold for $138.21 (Etsy UK), 2026-04-12
This necklace is of traditional Jewish Bridal design with exceptional work. It features five strands of coral and silver beads interspersed by two types of delicate filigreed silver, with hollowed and embossed triangles at the back. The center front is a rectangle completely covered with filigree work and seven pendants, two of which are Queen Victoria silver coins, and the rest are round and leaf — sold for — (Sarajo), 2023-01-01
This is an antique necklace from Yemen, crafted with natural undyed coral beads and silver beads (tested as approximately 900 silver). It has been restrung on new, strong threads. The coral beads range in size from 9-5mm, and the necklace has a length of 47cm (18.5in). The metal is tested as 800 silver, and the necklace weighs 122 grams. The corals are antique, and the item is in good antique cond — sold for $900.00 (eBay), 2024-01-01

Expert notes

This is a fine and authentic example of a mid-20th century Yemeni Bedouin talismanic necklace. Its value is currently estimated based on its strong stylistic and ethnographic characteristics. However, to realize its full potential value, two key verifications are recommended before a sale: a simple test to confirm the precious metal content of the pendant, and a close examination of the beads by a gemologist to determine if they are natural coral. Confirmation of both would place the item at the higher end of the estimate, or potentially above it.