This lotus bud started as super thin layered sheet wax cut using templates I made before they were sprued and then cast with Sterling silver. Each piece is cut fresh, there are no models to use. If I were to duplicate this design it would be with new, freshly cut and sprued wax and may have very slight variances. Inspired by Asian tassel designs, this necklace can be dressed up or down. The perfect compliment to summer outfits from blue jeans and t-shirts to sundresses, from sandals to boots.

I picked up the turquoise while spending time in Northern Arizona Grand Canyon country this past fall. I visited the Kingman Turquoise mine processing center and bought direct. Kingman Turquoise is considered high end and comes in a wide range of blues and greens, clean (no veining) or with matrix (with veins). The heishi came from a shop in Flagstaff who deals with a mine owner in New Mexico where you can get some cool green turquoise. I hand forged the Sterling hook and eye clasp here in my workshop.

Necklace: 21", lotus bud: 0.8", drop w/tassel: 2"

The Navajo believe that a piece of Turquoise is actually a piece of the sky (the heavens) that has fallen to Earth. Turquoise, “Sky Stone”, is sacred to Native American tradition. It is associated with the sky, and bringing sky energy to earth. It is believed to help promote honest and clear communication from the heart. It is also said to protect against pollution in the environment, and to bring abundance.

Turquoise is known as a master healer stone, helping speed the healing process by opening up all chakras. They believe it is very powerful for grounding and protection. It is associated with the heart and the throat chakra. It is the shaman stone.

The lotus flower represents an awakening, spiritual growth, and enlightenment. The flower emerges from the water clean, despite breaking through the mud and thus stands for purity of body. The lotus also represents purity speech and mind. It could be thought of as an awakened mind, which grows naturally toward the warmth and light of truth, love and compassion. The lotus may appear fragile on the surface, but it is flexible and strong, securely anchored under the surface of the water.