In Tibet and Nepal, gold jewelery has always been rare, a luxury limited to the wealthy and powerful. Jewelery reflected not only the owner's personal wealth, but alsosocial and political status, whether worn by noblewomen or governmentofficials, as well as the ancient cultural values of Hinduism andBuddhism. Gems and jewelery often served as metaphors for ideals of thefaith, and Himalayan deities were lavishly adorned. Until now, much ofthe information...