Jewelry

All posts tagged Jewelry

Pentacles are symbols of balance and unity.
As mentioned in other articles,
I have described the five points as elements in the lower four points and the top point as spirit.
This illustrates a healthy balance of head, heart and spirit.
This Pentacle extends balance into Grace,
for it is not enough just to live a life in balance,
by adding a “swing” to one’s step,
you move from simply walking your path,
you begin to dance.

The Knotted Star Amulet

The Knotted Star Amulet

In Celtic Knot Work
designs develop a new way of viewing the image.
By tracing the strand from the top point around the star
and concluding at the beginning
may be used as a meditation:
reminding the viewer
although the piece looks as if it is comprised of five sections,
it is still a single image.

When we study difficult ideas
it is a common step to break it down into its elements,
learn those parts and when assembling them we are able to understand
and utilize the the entire piece.
Much like learning a piece of music,
we break it down to various sections,
practice the bits until mastered
then play it as a single piece of music.
The Knotted Star Amulet is similar to the other pentacles
it represents the study of the human experience from five different perspectives
and yet is of a single piece.
This is a Dancer’s Pentacle,
the Musician’s Pentacle,
a Pentacle that holds all of the best qualities of Life with “style”.

You may remember the Dragon Ankh Amulet:
a combination of Serpent Power and the Egyptian sign of Life.
The Ankh focuses on the tenacity of life,
the spark where in union something new is created;
and the Dragon of Kundalini.
Positioning the Dragon’s neck so it curves around to create the Yoni,
the Dragon’s head rests at the point where all things intersect suggesting a conscious decision in transformation.
The tail drops below completing the design.

Dragon Ankh Earrings

Dragon Ankh
Earrings

Because it is only ¾” I decided to offer The Dragon Ankh Earrings.
This would be a good amulet for those that are studying Yoga, Kundalini,
martial arts or an Egyptian enthusiast.
These earrings are to help focus and balance body, mind and spirit.

To order your pair of Dragon Ankh Earrings, simply go Here.

“Begin!”
First the word, then it happens. The crack of the gun before the race, the blowing of the whistle that starts the game. A single moment that is beyond time itself, a single point of origin from which a flash of lightning springs into being.
“Inspiration!”
The point of fire now has direction: purpose and a way to manifest.

Hand of Zeus Earrings
The Hand of Zeus Earrings

Although named for the Father of the Greek Gods, Shango would be pleased to be associated with this piece, the most popular Orisha; he is a Sky Father, god of thunder and lightning. Well loved in the Lukumí religion of the Caribbean, Shango is also revered by Efa in Africa. Umvelinqangi is the Sky God from the Zulu mythology, Baal-Shamin, was a supreme deity and the sky god … both attributes are the lightning bolt. Amm was a moon god worshiped in ancient Qataban was also revered as a weather god, as his attributes included lightning bolts. Heironeous is the Oeridian god of Chivalry, Justice, Honor, War, Daring, and Valor. His holy symbol is a silver lightning bolt; the images both look and mean the same: Manifest!

The Hand of Zeus Earring is an icon akin to the Ace of Wands: the place from which such movement springs into manifestation. A Godly hand holding a lightning bolt directs and guides it into being. Good for a “make it so” day: marathons, deadlines, important meetings, and “putting on your thinking cap”. This would be the earring equivalent to the “Power Tie”.

The shape of the eight point star is one I remember from childhood:
the bold four points with the lower ray extended down,
the secondary four points emanating out from the center.
It was used as an artistic expression of the celestial points of light
in classic paintings, cartoons, icons and logos.
In paintings of the heavens,
this shape was used to denote the North Star,
the star of the Blue Fairy in Pinocchio,
in child’s finger painting and in the most detailed maps of the constellations.
In nearly every culture, this image just keeps popping up.

Star Drop Earrings

Star Drop Earrings

As an artist, I was fascinated by it’s universal appeal and adopted it in my own paintings,
sketches and illustrations.
When it came to creating a pair of earrings, this was my first design:
simple, bold and easily recognized. However the descending ray was reversed to add a new meaning.
These stars are not fixed in the sky with the descending ray reaching down,
rather the descending light brings the star to earth;
a metaphor of bringing the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.
The Masons use the metaphor illustrated in their ancient building of temples;
as noted by James Joyce in Finnegan’s Wake in the building of the Cathedral
the bricks go up (raising the earth to heaven)
and the hod returns “empty” or “filled with air” (spirit) bringing the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.
Although an often used quote used by Christians and Jews,
the concept of Heaven on Earth actually predated the Monotheistic paths by centuries.
The idea “If you live a good life you get to go to heaven” was not readily accepted by the Scots.
Rather the idea “One makes their heaven or hell while still breathing
was more akin to the Old Religion,
denoting responsibility of how one leads one’s life and bring the Ideal into the Real.
It is not about the “Pie in the Sky” attitude that so many pessimistic peoples point to,
rather it is of the potential of love,
beauty and appreciation for what we have and what we may offer others.

The Star Drop Earrings are a way of harnessing the use of amulets in everyday life.
As one wears them, one is reminded of the power of virtue,
of positive thinking and action, and conscious living.
It is also a subliminal statement to those that see the bearer of the earrings, perhaps a reminder:
life can be and will be better should we choose it;
discarding grudges and moving forward in our lives
with droplets of heaven on our ears.

Some years ago
I created the Tree Crystal Amulet as a-one-of-a-kind piece.
This was one of a series of tree amulets I made years ago
of a dozen produced and displayed in my cases when I was on the circuit.
The crystal was most certainly a-one-of-a-kind as well:
the stone with a color grading from clear quartz to an amethyst tip.
When I saw this particular crystal
and it was suggested I cut it to make a piece,
I decided to create a copse of trees on the top,
the stone looking like a floating island from a Roger Dean painting.

Tree Crystal Amulet

Tree Crystal Amulet

If you have a favorite stone that you wish to have topped with trees,
animals or another design you have in mind,
please feel free to contact me for your one-of-a-kind commission.

The Pentacle is a symbol representing (among other things) the ideal human being in perfect balance with him/herself. The elements: fire, water, air, and earth represented by the lower four points. The top point symbolizing Spirit keeping all things in balance.

The Pentacle of Fire Amulet
The Small Pentacle of Fire Amulet

When using the term “element” we are describing the nature of being. Fire is a state of transmutation in every sense of the word: changing from one thing into another. In the Tarot we see pure elemental fire in Judgment, a card representing Baptismal Fire: all states of one’s being: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual being stressed to nearly the breaking point. Heated, if you will; then fused into a new being. Stronger, more tolerant, deeper perception and (hopefully) wiser.

Combining the balance of the symbol of the Pentacle and the element of Fire itself, I have created: The Small Pentacle of Fire Amulet. The entire pentacle is on fire with shapes that look as if they are moving, indefinable yet changing into something else…This amulet is for those who are working with the onslaught of severe change in their lives. It represents your tenacity and strength, not only to survive but transcend turmoil and create new and better ways of living.

Triquetra simply means “triangle” and has been used to refer to a variety of three-cornered shapes but has been evolved into a symbol of depth. Often seen in the Book of Kells, some have surmised that because of its frequent use as ornamentation has been a part of folk lore pre-dating the creation of the ancient texts. It appears in stone and metal on crosses, markers, jewelry and other artifacts through-out Celtic history.

The Triquetra Amulet
The Triquetra Amulet

Because of the Christian Influence and their lore concerning the Trinity, many have attributed the shape to represent: “The Father, Son and Holy Ghost”, but it could easily represent any lore that embraces the Three: Parents and child; the three phases of human existence: Youth, Middle Age and the Elderly; Maiden, Mother, Crone; Green Man, Hunter, Sage. All Threes: a number of Manifestation in Creation.

In recent years it has been popularized within the Pagan and Wiccan communities, for they too love the manifestation of Three. It has even been embraced in the Television series “Charmed”; the Triquetra is embossed on the Grimoire of the Three Sisters.

The Triquetra Amulet represents the Trinity, the manifestation of Three and the integrity of one purpose through love. The Triquetra Amulet is for those who cherish the idea of the Trinity in its many forms.

Periodically, I find a stone that seems to call for a sculpture.
I found a piece of jasper some time ago and could see the shape of flames within.
As if the piece was complete,
I kept seeing a pair of flame spirits embracing the stone.
It was then I decided to create the Flame Spirit Amulet.

Keepers of the Flame

Keepers of the Flame

The original carving itself was that of wax:
I built up the shapes as if unbidden, as if they formed themselves around the stone.
Once completed, I cast the carving and set the jasper as a one of a kind piece.

Being as I was on the circuit at the time,
I placed it in my cases.
It only resided amongst the other amulets for a day before a lovely lady purchased it.

If you wish for something like it and found a stone that seems to speak to you,
I can create an amulet,
ring or brooch as a one-of-a-kind-creation.
We can start with a rendering:
images of the design for your approval,
or if you simply wish me to create “something like it”
and you have the stone you wish to guild
(or you want me to find one for you),
simply go to my custom page
where you can learn more about how we can get started
with your one-of-a-kind creation.

A custom “Charm Holder” and necklace.

The Charm Holder

The Charm Holder
A custom necklace
to hold various amulets

After searching “high and low” (as she put it) for several years,
such a thing was not to be found.
Apparently my client had a charm holder made in the ‘70s,
but due to her allergy to gold and the problem of breakage,
she sought a jeweler to re-create the piece.
After sending me a rather blurry image with a written description
I created a rendering fro her approval.
Because of her purposes for the piece
I added the triple moon at the top harnessing a hinge and clasp for the armature to swing out,
change the amulets out as needed and clasp again behind the triple moon shield.
I did not add stones because it would “color” what it is
holding to a narrow spectrum of purpose.

Shown here are three amulets in combination:
the High priestess, Leo and an ancestor skull bead.
This combination holds the vitality and perseverance of Leo,
the qualities of the Akashic amulet of the High Priestess
and the wisdom of the ancestors.
As the bearer of this Charm Holder,
she is able to construct a pattern of influences
needed for a specific purpose
or to develop a matrix of intent
for a period of time
and then reconstruct the holder for other purposes in the future.

Although this piece is a one of a kind,
I can create a charm holder of similar make and construction for you
with your choice of symbol at the top and size of armature.
Custom work is one of my favorite things to create,
so all you need to do is ask.

One of the last efforts my Father worked on was to return to his favorite project:
the education of young men and women.
A devout Presbyterian Minister,
professor of Philosophy
and a member of the Humanities Department in Cal State Fullerton,
Dr. Robert B McLaren began his quest of promoting virtue
by working with the youth in Boys town of Chicago.

The Fellowship of the Celtic Cross

The Fellowship of the Celtic Cross
Designed by the Youth Group at
Morningside Presbyterian Church
In Fullerton California

In each of the churches he served with in Illinois, Montana, Texas and California,
he worked closely with the youth with scholarly lessons of the New Testament,
often focusing on the book of Luke.
His method was to first go over the text,
then re-discover the context by studying the politics, technology
and social conditions of the period to help them understand the milieu of the work.

For a period during the 70 and 80s, Dr. R. B. McLaren took a break from youth fellowship
and focused primarily on his University Efforts,
finishing his Doctorate
and moving ahead in his service with the Academy of Judao, Christian and Islamic Studies,
the World Council of Churches and the Parliament of World Religions.
After his “retirement” he was asked by the local Church
to return to his teaching the Youth of his community.

We had several conversations over the matter
and he decided that it would be helpful to have crosses made for them.
Noting if the cross was to have a special meaning for them
I recommended that the group design the piece.
This experience of creativity would mark the moment in their lives,
help them recall the ideas that they were working with at the time,
empower them and give them the experience of collaboration
both with each other and with their instructor.
The members busily drew a host of images,
then created a composite of the designs.
From the images of the Youth Group,
I created their Cross Amulet. On the completion of their studies,
they were then blessed with a copy of their own design.

In each of his talks,
classes lectures and sermons the main focus of his message was to celebrate life,
each other and joy.
In every conversation his salutation was:
“Be of Good Cheer!”
I find great comfort in knowing I was able to contribute to his legacy.

If you are interested in a specially designed piece for your church, circle, grove or organization,
Please view my How to order custom page