Nepalese Cuff with Lotus Motif and Om Mantra

A cuff with a lotus-shaped medallion and filigree curls, all in pale metal.

This sterling silver cuff with a lotus motif and the Om mantra is from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Sterling silver is an alloy of about 92.5 percent silver, and its softness allows it to be hammered, engraved and chased with detailed patterns. A bangle narrow at the ends and swelling at the front into a pointed oval. A rope-twist border frames a dark red field holding a many-petaled flower with script characters. Wiry spirals of filigree flank the center.

Wire thinner than a thread, ambition bigger than the wrist.