IMPORTANT:  This strand is currently one of two from this particular 'stock' of moonstone beads which were acquired and held on to for years now. We do not know if another of this design will ever be created and for that reason, recommend Express Shipping with Signature required upon delivery to ensure it arrives safely in your hands. 

This strand has been created particularly for this Collection Launch and is Ready to Ship to you in 3 to 5 business days from when you purchase them. 

The unusual and striking Bleeding Heart Flower (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) was originally native to the woodlands of Asia where it thrived in the early Spring light before the tree canopy leafed out. Brought to England in the 1800’s by plant hunters who were fascinated by its unique shape and bright color, the flowers became stars of the Victorian garden boom. There it became part of the language of flowers and was exchanged between those seeking to declare romantic intention, as well as becoming a symbol of enduring affection and undying love due to its shape and seasonal return.

Despite these more romantic associations, it was also associated with heartbreak and unrequited love, both due to the “bleeding” aspect of the flower and as well as folklore from Japan. This folklore tells a tale about a spurned prince who’s death after being rejected from a beautiful maiden caused the plant to grow in the spot where his blood had spilled.

From Asia it was introduced to the US, which already had native variants of its own, including the pale white/pink Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis), known to the indigenous people of Northern America. Used for skin aliments and to ease menstrual cramping, it was also considered food for the spirits by the the Onondaga, as well as a love charm to the Menominee.

Religious groups associated it with sacrifice and compassion, especially around Easter and Spring, when it returned in bloom; considering the “blood” of the flower to be the blood shed on the cross. There is also some history that a Jesuit priest may have first brought back the Asian Bleeding Heart in the 1700’s before it was popularized in Victorian gardens. This association makes me think of the symbolism of the Sacred Heart, the worship of the disembodied heart of a deity, wounded & bleeding, and yet radiant and strange.

Interestingly, despite and perhaps because of their beauty, all variants of Bleeding Heart flowers are poisonous to animals and humans alike, however are important for early pollinators such as bees who are able to crawl inside the opening of the heart. There’s something about this dualism that intrigues me, poison and love intermingling in a strange and beautiful flower that had originally grown hidden in the woods.

What I have loved most about it, aside from its Victorian associations, is its symbolism with heartbreak. To me they resemble heart shaped lockets overwhelmed and split open by grief, our heart’s blood spilling out ~ our sweetness and our sorrow caught in a single drop that hovers like a pendulum from the portals of our hearts, suspended forever like a lure for someone to collect. The hope that our hearts, no matter how wounded, can be mended, they we can remain tender and vulnerable to others and to the world’s marvels rather than tuck ourselves away in the deep forests of despair.  

*Details* :

- This strand is comprised of sparkling moonstone beads, with tiny sterling silver 'pearls' in between each.

- Almost 20 inches in length including clasp

- Bleeding Heart pendant is 37mm from top to bottom (including moonstone 'tear') and 20mm at its widest.

- Set with one 7 x 10 mm pear cut moonstone.

- Bleeding Heart, Medium Eye Clasp and findings are all Solid Sterling Silver, oxidized to our favorite gloomy grey and finished to highlight the shining silver beneath. 

- The clasp is tactile in nature making it easily held between the tips of your fingers and rubbed for comfort in times of grief, anxiety, dissociation, as well as during moments of joy and wonder.  

 Moonstone:

Moonstone is closely tied to the moon, with some cultures believing the stone is solidified moon rays, while others think of them as embodiments of the moon's tears. Acting as a kind of Psychic armor, it is thought to protect its wearer from not only dark nights, but dark times; it helps sooth grief, loss, and other emotional turbulence. 

Moonstone is known for its powerful psychic abilities. Used to protect empaths & sensitives from absorbing other people's emotions, it is also is known to be used during meditation for connecting to ones inner selves. As a romantic stone, it is known to strengthen the bonds between lovers when given as gifts, especially during the full moon. 

As they are entirely natural, earth made stones, color and clarity will vary from stone to stone. Moonstone often has a milky appearance and natural inclusions that appear as lines or inner 'cracks.’ The flash will contain shades of blue, violet or teal, and occasionally hints of gold.

Every bead is hand selected for its beauty. 

***IMPORTANT***         

Length Note: Because individual bead measurements vary slightly, total strand lengths are approximate within a few millimeters in either direction.

Visit the Policy Page to make an educated and informed purchase HERE.

If you have further questions, we are always here to serve you in a kind and timely manner: via info@bloodmilkjewels.com