The Maggie Collection
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Maggie Goes to the Cinna-bar Necklace
I had a lot of fun designing and making this necklace and bracelet set. The pieces naturally go together but will also stand alone and make a statement. The name "Maggie" affectionately refers to each piece's high magnesite content. The necklace is striking, substantial, and one-of-a-kind. Three large Asian-style black cinnabar beads add weight and interest to the composition of white and pink magnesite with heavy matrices. A carved black lucky cinnabar fish, silver accent beads, and Tibetan silver lucky fish clasp complete the fun, chunky necklace. All together, the necklace marries the Southwestern U.S. with Asian influences and makes what I'd call an "east meets west" piece. The main colors, white, pink, and black, will look amazing dressed up with a solid black, white, or pink strapless column dress or dressed down with a classic white t-shirt and jeans. The necklace measures 20" long and is of moderate weight.
More about Magnesite:
Magnesite has the same crystal structure as calcite, which is similar in texture and hardness to marble and turquoise. In gem lore, magnesite is known for its ability to calm, bring emotional balance, open wearers up to "higher realms and states of consciousness," and get them in touch with themselves beyond veils of perceptions. It is also believed to clear blockages and hang-ups over the past and open the third eye and crown chakras, which bolsters psychic abilities and promotes bliss (source here).
Maggie Bracelet
Like the Maggie necklace, this bracelet is one-of-a-kind and statement making. The combination of hot pink, white, and black makes both pieces versatile and wearable with many other colors. Both pieces draw from the Southwest and the turquoise in the bracelet brings this influence (subtly) to the forefront. I've had the turquoise for many years along with the faceted hematite beside it--it's like the pieces were waiting for each other and this bracelet's composition--they work very well together. The black carved agate flower echos the detail of the carved cinnabar fish in the Maggie Necklace, yet sets the bracelet a part and lets it stand on its own. The bracelet is 8 1/2" long, will fit up to a 7" wrist comfortably, and closes with a Tibetan silver toggle clasp.
