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 steel cut jewelry that was popular in the late 1700's through the early 19th century, this exquisitely long silver plated hematite strand sparkles in a way I imagine steel cut jewelry did in candle light. Steel cut jewelry, created as a less expensive alternative to diamonds and fine metals, was created from alloy metals, and even melted down horse shoe nails. Despite the use of "inferior" materials, the craftsmanship was intricate and even royalty was known to collect and wear steel cut jewelry. 

Popular for those in half-mourning, who were shedding the intense gloom of an all black wardrobe and black jewelry which included jet, onyx, vulcanite, and black enamel depending on what was affordable, steel cut jewelry would have most likely been worn in  dimly lit séance rooms. Here, I imagine the glints of this jewelry sparkling in the darkness on those thick with grief, perhaps attracting their beloved dead to them. 

As an extra long strand, this is intentionally designed to be worn wound around the neck to appear as two strands. Delicate and thin, it makes a wonderful layering strand or, a lightweight strand to wear on its own. Its long length also makes it a great tool for meditation or grounding work as each bead is similarly shaped but faceted and tactile. 

Details:

• Strand measures approximately 62 inches from end to end including clasp
  
• Features faceted silver plated hematite beads
  
• At its closure is our new small 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. 

Hematite:

Usually appearing as a polished gunmetal gray color and named for the Greek word for blood, hematite is a grounding and protective stone, thought to help stem excessive bleeding. It has been associated with magic, blood, and protection for centuries as well as its practical application of being a pigment. When ground down, its shiny, silvery color transforms into a reddish hue akin to the color of dried blood. It is the very same pigment used in prehistoric cave paintings. Hematite was also used as an early mirror for its reflective properties, making it an object that can be used for scrying. 

Every bead is hand selected for its beauty and hand strung with care. 

***IMPORTANT***

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

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