? Vintage Jeweled Sterling Silver Pendant from Tibet ? - Price: $85 in Irving, Illinois

This unique eye-catching vintage pendant from Tibet is made of 925 sterling silver set with precious coral and sky-blue turquoise gemstones. Measures 2.8" x 0.8".
Vajra is a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond. The vajra is a ritual object, a short metal weapon that has the symbolic nature of a diamond (it can cut any substance but not be cut itself) and that of the thunderbolt (irresistible force).
The vajra is believed to represent firmness of spirit and spiritual power. It is a ritual tool or spiritual implement which is symbolically used by Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, all of which are traditions of Dharma. Because of its symbolic importance, the vajra spread along with Indian religion and culture to other parts of Asia. Vajra / Dorje can also refer to a small sceptre held in the right hand by Tibetan lamas during religious ceremonies.
The vajra is made up of several parts. In the center is a sphere which represents Sunyata, the primordial nature of the universe, the underlying unity of all things. Emerging from the sphere are two eight petaled lotus flowers. One represents the phenomenal world (or in Buddhist terms Samsara), the other represents the noumenal world (or Nirvana). This is one of the fundamental dichotomies which are perceived by the unenlightened.
Arranged equally around the mouth of the lotus are four mythical creatures, called makaras. They represent the union of opposites, or a harmonisation of qualities that transcend our usual experience. From the mouths of the makaras come tongues which come together in a point.