Persephone - Garnet Briolette Tree of Life Pendant

[phoenixfiredesigns]

I truly put love and care into each piece I make. And I love for them to be cherished and enjoyed as much as I enjoy creating them. Every once in a while though, I am lucky enough to have a chance to make something *extra* special. And this is one of those pieces.

I used the most stunning, micro-faceted genuine garnet gemstone briolettes in this piece. They are tiny, tear-drop (or “pear”) shaped gems. Gemstones of this quality and with this detail of faceting are extremely expensive in the smallest of quantities. And this Tree uses *33* such stones!

I’m calling this completely one-of-a-kind piece, “Persephone” after the Greek goddess. She’s most famous for her association with the pomegranate and this piece just reminds me so much of that. This is a wholly unique piece for me due to the expensive materials involved. I was lucky enough to get some garnet once but I don’t see another opportunity like that coming around again! Gemstones of this quality are honestly not normally in my budget. 

I’ve hand-hammered sterling silver wire for the outer hoop and then used non-tarnish sterling silver wire for the roots, trunk and branches. The piece is approximately 1.25″ in height and width not including bail. It’s dainty and feminine but still striking enough to be noticed.

About Garnet Gemstone
Garnet is a natural, semi-precious gemstone associated with the planet Mars, the zodiac sign of Aquarius and the birthstone of the month of January. Considered the stone of good luck in business, it’s also said to increase your self-esteem when worn as jewelry. It’s also the stone associated with the first chakra (base of the spine.) It’s rich, deep and intense color is unique and beautiful.


As always, thoughts welcome!

[MoonlitSun]

Another tree of life pendant! Why do i love your pendants so much?? I might as well rob you one day, lol.
Would you believe i was thinking about Persephone just before finding your post? lol, just remembering my literature work, good ol'times. I love it and it completely suit your theme, i could actually picture Persephone with one of those garnets in hand about to bite!

Did you try making one with amethyst, this time with silver wire instead?
*OK, i'm born in December but my fav stone is amethyst compared to turquoise*

[appatite]

Absolutely stunning. I love how you have created your own unique finding out of sterling silver wire! What sort of wire did you use (brand, guage, etc)? Do you have wire preferences for this type of work?
Again, well done. I would definitely definitely wear this.

[stitchencupboards]

Beautiful! The bead color is lovely.