Head ornament of a Jewish bride (balgak), Bukhara, Uzbekistan, late 19th century.Before the wedding,

Head ornament of a Jewish bride (balgak), Bukhara, Uzbekistan, late 19th century.

Before the wedding, well-to-do Bukharan Jewish families would invite a goldsmith to their house, where he would make the jewelry for the bride, living there until the dowry preparations were completed. The jewelry was made of gold, colorful semiprecious stones, and pearls, some local and others imported, mainly from Russia. The jewelry remained the bride’s private property throughout her life and was bequeathed to her daughters upon her death. This forehead ornament is a central component in the magnificent set of jewelry worn by Jewish women for holidays and ceremonies.