Philippine Betel Nut + Biwa Pearl

 
A drop lariat-type necklace made with biwa pearl, Philippine betel nut and one baroque pearl. 19 inches. 1-1 piece. 
 
Because each type of pearl forms in a specific type of oyster or mussel in a certain location, there are several different varieties, and each has its own appearance and characteristics. Biwa pearls are unusually shaped cultured pearls that come from the freshwater mussels found in Lake Biwa, Japan.
 
Betel nut is the seed of the fruit of the areca palm. Betel nut is an important commodity in many social customs, religious practices and cultural rituals in the Asia-Pacific. The seed is separated from the outer layer of the fruit and may be used fresh, dried, boiled, baked, roasted or cured.
 
The is commonly used as a stimulant & known as Asia’s oldest addiction. Arcea nut is wrapped in betel leaves and coated in slaked lime before being chewed as a mild stimulant similar to caffeine and tobacco.
 
In Tagalog, betel nut-chewing is colloquially known as buyo, bunga, hitso, or nga nga (“to chew”). In Ilocano, it is known as bua, maman or mama.
Many parts of it are used by various artisans and can be used in crafting boxes, jewelry & other wares.
 
Drop pendant is 4.5 inches down. Choose a choker size or longer length.