A spectacular antique bugmeh, or torque-style choker, crafted entirely in silver, featuring 8 large silver Ottoman coins, 3 smaller Ottoman coins, 5 large blown-glass beads, and 6 amulet charms.
Dating broadly to the late Ottoman period, late 19th to early 20th century, the coins were repurposed from currency into adornment, a longstanding tradition in jewelry from Palestine and the surrounding region.
The choker is adorned with blown-glass beads and amulet charms in geometric forms, circles, and swirling motifs, traditionally associated with protection from the evil eye. Together with the suspended coins and chains, these elements create the layered, kinetic quality characteristic of a bugmeh.
The piece comes from the broader cultural landscape of Palestine, Galilee, and Syria, where jewelry traditions crossed geographic and community boundaries. Because modern borders had not yet been established during this period, precise geographic attribution is difficult.
The choker opens and closes with a hook closure at the nape of the neck.
Condition: This choker is very old and has some patina on the torque (main twisted silver piece) which is consistent with age and wear.
Measurements:
Main torque: 5.5" at widest point × 4.25" tall
Overall drop: 10.25" from the top of the choker to the longest dangling coin
Shape: The torque is intentionally irregular and is not a perfect circle.
✨ PLEASE NOTE ✨
All SAMAKA pieces are antique or vintage and may show signs of age — minor wear or patina that reflect their unique histories. Nothing is perfect, and that’s exactly the charm of vintage and antique clothing. We encourage you to read descriptions carefully and reach out with any questions before purchasing.
We do not offer online checkout. Every piece is sold through one-on-one conversation to ensure an intentional, intimate shopping experience.
TO PURCHASE, DM US ON INSTAGRAM
Payment accepted via Zelle only.
All items are SOLD AS-IS — no returns or refunds.
Shipping not included.
A spectacular antique bugmeh, or torque-style choker, crafted entirely in silver, featuring 8 large silver Ottoman coins, 3 smaller Ottoman coins, 5 large blown-glass beads, and 6 amulet charms.
Dating broadly to the late Ottoman period, late 19th to early 20th century, the coins were repurposed from currency into adornment, a longstanding tradition in jewelry from Palestine and the surrounding region.
The choker is adorned with blown-glass beads and amulet charms in geometric forms, circles, and swirling motifs, traditionally associated with protection from the evil eye. Together with the suspended coins and chains, these elements create the layered, kinetic quality characteristic of a bugmeh.
The piece comes from the broader cultural landscape of Palestine, Galilee, and Syria, where jewelry traditions crossed geographic and community boundaries. Because modern borders had not yet been established during this period, precise geographic attribution is difficult.
The choker opens and closes with a hook closure at the nape of the neck.
Condition: This choker is very old and has some patina on the torque (main twisted silver piece) which is consistent with age and wear.
Measurements:
Main torque: 5.5" at widest point × 4.25" tall
Overall drop: 10.25" from the top of the choker to the longest dangling coin
Shape: The torque is intentionally irregular and is not a perfect circle.
✨ PLEASE NOTE ✨
All SAMAKA pieces are antique or vintage and may show signs of age — minor wear or patina that reflect their unique histories. Nothing is perfect, and that’s exactly the charm of vintage and antique clothing. We encourage you to read descriptions carefully and reach out with any questions before purchasing.
We do not offer online checkout. Every piece is sold through one-on-one conversation to ensure an intentional, intimate shopping experience.
TO PURCHASE, DM US ON INSTAGRAM
Payment accepted via Zelle only.
All items are SOLD AS-IS — no returns or refunds.
Shipping not included.
Image 1 of 18
Image 2 of 18
Image 3 of 18
Image 4 of 18
Image 5 of 18
Image 6 of 18
Image 7 of 18
Image 8 of 18
Image 9 of 18
Image 10 of 18
Image 11 of 18
Image 12 of 18
Image 13 of 18
Image 14 of 18
Image 15 of 18
Image 16 of 18
Image 17 of 18
Image 18 of 18