IMPORTANT: This strand is limited and we do not know if it will be available again in the future. We recommend Express Shipping with signature required upon delivery to make sure it arrives safely into your hands. 

Inspired by the dimly lit, darkened rooms of the séance where the spiritualist mediums of the Victorian era would speak with the dead, this mourning strand is meant to be a balm for grief. Wear in times of sorrow and sadness or simply for its elegant beauty. 

Historically, people would wear black clothing and jewelry for a year and a day to honor the memory of their dead. The clothing and accessories would vary in quality and detail depending on affordability but even those with a lower income would partake in these rituals as not doing so would be a sign of disrespect to their beloved dead. Due to this, these garments were often reused and passed down; this care and safe-keeping being a main factor in their survival today, as these antique garments and jewels are somewhat still available for purchase readily. 

It's important to me to continue these rituals through the tactile and spiritual nature of jewelry as I feel our culture lacks significant grieving and mourning customs. Even if it's difficult to discuss with others or be understood while in the fog of intense emotion of any kind, wearing mourning jewelry for yourself feels comforting, a balm for grief of all varieties, not just death. 

Details:

• Strand measures approximately 45 inches from end to end including clasp
  
• Created with faceted onyx beads and sterling silver hollw "pearls" 
  
• At its closure is our new Larger Medium's Hand clasp, cast in sterling silver, oxidized to our favorite gloomy grey and hand burnished to highlight the silver beneath.  

This clasp is highly tactile and double sided, 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.  

The last two images show the large and small clasp together for scale and to show the detail on the underside of the hand. 

Onyx:

Onyx is best known for being a natural stone that acts as a kind of 'psychic armor' against the negativity of others. It is also used to soothe grief and heartbreak. It's a wonderful grounding stone and stone of self mastery, enabling its wearers to have mental and spiritual focus.

Every bead is hand selected for its beauty. 

***IMPORTANT***

This jewel is handmade to order, just for you, with care and focus. Please allow approximately 6-8 weeks for creation before shipping.  

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

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