"...throw roses into the abyss and say: 'here is my thanks to the monster who didn't succeed in swallowing me alive.' " - Friedrich Nietzsche 

Inspired by the above quote, which has meant a lot to me since nearly the beginning of BloodMilk, this protective talisman was created with a dagger blade made from a life cast honey locust thorn, collected by hand at the start of 2020. Protective in all aspects, this sharp beauty carries with it the tension of beauty and danger via the Rose. 

The ancient Rose, wild and prolific ( 150+ species ! ) has been utilized for many purposes throughout human history: Medicinally its petals, leaves, roots and fruit ( rose hips ) have all been used to heal via salves and teas; most commonly & still in frequent use today most commonly in rose water. In religious traditions it has been offered to deities it's associated with such as Venus, Ishtar, Isis, Guadalupe/Mary, Hekate, Dionysus and Bacchus among others. Perhaps best known for its sentimental traditions, such as given as gifts between romantic partners or friends, as well as for sending off the dead. Its more dangerous aspect, via its sharp thorns, has been used for hexing/cursing as well as for protective apotropaic magic.

Sharp enough to be utilized as a candle scribe, this petite dagger was designed to be "functional" in whatever way you see fit, whether or not that be magically/ talismanic. Highly tactile, its other function is meant to exist as a weapon against anxiety and other turbulent emotions that may hijack your regulation : I kept Alice battling the Jabberwocky in mind often : once vanquished ~ throw your rose metaphorically into the abyss of its grave and live to fight / be inspired by the beauty of another day, knowing that while there still may be a thicket of thorns to be battled tomorrow, you may be protected by them as well. 

*Details* :

-  54 mm from top to bottom

- 30 mm wide

- Solid sterling silver: oxidized to achieve a stormy gray. Hand polished to reveal the luminous silver tones beneath.   

***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 bloodmilkjewels@gmail.com