#kirdan

On the shores of the Eldar that night, a tranquil stillness hung in the air. The sea, black and smooth as a mirror, reflected the stars shining brighter than ever. On the horizon, a sliver of the moon cast its pale glow over the harbor, where elven ships stood in silent repose.

That night, Gil-galad, the High King of the Noldor, prepared for an extraordinary event. It was the Night of Gifts, a rare day when the peoples of Middle-earth exchanged presents and celebrated unity, despite the war and dangers threatening their world.

In the central square of Lindon, many elves gathered. Their soft voices blended with the murmur of the waves, while countless tiny lanterns illuminated the branches of the trees. At the heart of the square stood a tall tree, adorned with pearls and ribbons woven from moonlight.

Lord Círdan brought the young Eldar to the festivities, their eyes wide with wonder at the decorations and the stars reflected in the water. He was the first to speak to Gil-galad:

— On this night, O King, there is but one gift missing. The stars shine brightly, but we must also offer something to the waves, which have served us faithfully through the ages.

Gil-galad smiled and nodded.

— Let the sea accept our gift.

He took a small silver vessel filled with the light of Eärendil's star, the reflection of Elerrína. When the vessel was lowered into the water, the light shimmered, spreading gentle waves of radiance across the surface.

But this was only the beginning. Suddenly, a group of elven musicians emerged from the shadows. They began to sing a hymn to Ulmo, the Lord of Waters. Their voices resonated as if the waves themselves were singing along.

The celebration drew not only elves. Men from nearby settlements arrived, bringing gifts of wreaths made of winter berries, carved figurines, and fruits. Even a few dwarves from the Blue Mountains attended, carrying treasures crafted from rare metals.

— This is the first festival we share together, — said Círdan, raising a goblet. — May it become a symbol of friendship and hope for a brighter future.

And on that night, under the light of the stars and moon, by the sea, elves, men, and dwarves forgot about wars and hardships. They shared stories, laughed, and exchanged gifts.

The sea, in turn, responded with a gentle, soothing whisper of waves, as if accepting their offerings and blessing them for the days to come.

New addition to my collection of old Arab silver from a small jewelry shop in the Sudanese quarter. I did not plan to buy jewelry that day (and in general tried to stay away from Khan al Khalili) but thanks to God I always have a little bit extra cash hidden “just in case something pops up”. Collector’s curse...

These are old Egyptian clip on earrings which are reworked from even older “kirdan” necklace. I love the delicate filigree and their symbolic: the crescent moon, the stars, and 5 noisy dangles to ward off evil by the noise they make. Number “5″ used to be connected with protection in general - in the same way the famous khamsa, the hand of Fatima, is working. You can read more about it  on the website of my colleague called Beduin Silver.