Large Hematite Crucifix

This exquisite 2" crucifix is a sterling silver reproduction of an antique piece. To compliment its size, I paired it with large hematite beads (6-8mm) on stainless steel chain with a stainless steel clasp. All jumprings and pins are also stainless steel. The necklace is 16.5-17.5" long, and comes with matching stainless steel earrings. Rubber earnuts are included.

Black Obsidian Sacred Heart

This 16-17" necklace features a sterling silver reproduction of an antique Sacred Heart medal hung on a stainless steel chain with natural black obsidian beads and chips. The set includes matching stainless steel earrings. Obsidian, which is natural volcanic glass, is deceptively lightweight, making the earrings quite comfortable to wear.

White Pearl Lorraine Cross

This child-sized necklace is 13.25" long, made with white cultured pearls and stainless steel findings.  The Lorraine cross with thistles, commonly associated with St. Joan of Arc, is a sterling silver replica of an antique piece.  The set includes matching earrings, also stainless steel, and a 5.5" bracelet with a platinum-plated extension chain.

Additional extension chains could be added for adults who appreciate petite jewelry.

Hematite/Gunmetal St. Joan of Arc

I made this piece especially for me.  The medals are sterling silver, depicting St. Joan on horseback and the Lorraine Cross with thistles.  The beads are 6mm hematite with 4mm gunmetal accent beads on stainless steel eye pins with a platinum-plated lobster clasp.

UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WEAR:

St. Joan's hometown of Domrémy is located in the Lorraine region, hence the Lorraine Cross and the thistle, the official flower of the region.  "The Cross of Lorraine (French: Croix de Lorraine) is originally a heraldic cross. The two-barred cross consists of a vertical line crossed by two smaller horizontal bars. In the ancient version, both bars were of the same length. In 20th century use it is "graded" with the upper bar being the shorter. The Lorraine name has come to signify several cross variations, including the patriarchal cross with its bars near the top. . . . The Lorraine cross was carried to the Crusades by the original Knights Templar, granted to them for their use by the Patriarch of Jerusalem. . . . The Cross of Lorraine is part of the heraldic arms of Lorraine in eastern France. . . . During World War II, Capitaine de corvette Thierry d'Argenlieu suggested the Cross of Lorraine as the symbol of the Free French Forces led by Charles de Gaulle as an answer to the Nazi swastika.  The Cross was displayed on the flags of Free French warships, and the fuselages of Free French aircraft. The medal of the Order of Liberation bears the Cross of Lorraine. . . . French Jesuit missionaries and settlers to the New World carried the Cross of Lorraine c. 1750-1810. The symbol was said to have helped the missionaries to convert the native peoples they encountered, because the two armed cross resembled existing local imagery."  (Wikipedia)

"Hematite is a mineral, colored black to steel or silver-gray, brown to reddish brown, or red. It is mined as the main ore of iron. . . . While the forms of hematite vary, they all have a rust-red streak. Hematite is harder than pure iron, but much more brittle. . . . Huge deposits of hematite are found in banded iron formations. Gray hematite is typically found in places where there has been standing water or mineral hot springs, such as those in Yellowstone National Park in the United States. The mineral can precipitate out of water and collect in layers at the bottom of a lake, spring, or other standing water. Hematite can also occur without water, however, usually as the result of volcanic activity. . . . The name hematite is derived from the Greek word for blood αἷμα haima because hematite can be red, as in rouge, a powdered form of hematite. The color of hematite lends it well in use as a pigment. The English name of the stone is derived from Middle French: Hématite Pierre, which was imported from Latin: Lapis Hæmatites, which originated from Ancient Greek: αἱματίτης λίθος (haimatitēs lithos, “blood-red stone”). . . . Hematite's popularity in jewelry was at its highest in Europe during the Victorian era, and has since seen a strong resurgence in North America, especially in the western United States."  (Wikipedia)

Shell Choker

This was a casual piece I threw together.  The crosses are made of shell. separated by 4mm black glass beads and strung on nylon-coated stainless steel beading wire with a platinum-plated lobster clasp in the back.  The entire piece is only 15" long.