This vintage necklace came from the semi-nomadic Tuareg people, a large Berber ethnic group, who mainly inhabit the Sahara as pastoralists.

The Tuareg are semi-nomadic herders and traders living in Northern Mali and across its borders in Niger, Burkina Faso, Algeria and Libya. They are descended from Berbers of North Africa and speak a Berber language: Tamasheq, calling themselves Kel Tamasheq. They practice Sunni Islam, often in syncretic form, incorporating traditional beliefs. -Minorities Rights Group

This specific necklace carries an Agadez cross. It has been worn by the young one who it was given to and continues to carry the energy of the son who turned of age to travel on his own. The various stamping on the cross symbolize various intentions that the father may had had for his son for his journey.

There are 21 different crosses which represent the different tribes and areas across Niger. This type of cross has been made since the sixteenth century and were called Zakatan or Tchineghilan in Tamashek, meaning cross. During this time the crosses of Agadez, Ingall, Iferouane and Zinder only were worn. The word cross refers to direction as in the points of a compass. They are not religious in any way. The crosses were often used to trade between the Tuareg Nobles and Inadan (blacksmith). 
According to some sources the Agadez cross is traditionally given by a father to his son when he reaches around 15 years of age. This is the age a boy becomes a man and is free to travel anywhere he wishes. The four points of the cross represent the four corners of the world. 

Tuareg jewellery is full of symbolism. All designs are attached to tradition 

    /////////

This design symbolises the movement of the wind on the sand in the Sahara. A guide in the desert will follow the direction of the lines in the sand to avoid walking head on into the wind.
  
   /\/\/\/\/\
Tracks of the Ants.  
 
In time of severe drought and shortage of food, people would follow the trails of ants to find their nests where they would dig to find grains of millet that the ants had carried away. 
A reminder of how tough times can be.
  
    º
Jackals tracks. A jackal is an enemy of the Tuareg because they attack and eat Goats.

-Mohamed Ahnou