Paradise Beach Necklace (#081)

...Weightlessness lives inside all of us, life began in the oceans...

Colorful are the reefs of our imagination, the places where ideas take root & ebb & flow with the tides. This necklace is designed to unite all the energies, all the colors, & create powerful resilience. Diving in the waters of the Caribbean, you experience weightlessness & the full color spectrum all around you. Bring with you the life that thrives in the reefs & create your own energetic spaces. Vintage & antique crystals carry you through time, carefully balancing all Chakras & representing ALL signs of the Zodiac. 

**Note: Our in-house designs are one-of-a-kind & numbered. There will never be another piece made that is identical. We feature genuine antique & vintage natural crystals, coral, & pearls with only Solid 14K Gold & Sterling Silver clasps. We have fun sourcing rare & unique hand-carved beads from all over the world! You’re welcome:)

• Abalone.
• African Opal.
• Amazonite.
  
• Amethyst.
• Apatite.
• Aventurine.
• Black Lava Rock.
• Blue Kyanite.
• Blue Lapis.
  
• Blue Opal.
• Buri Seed.
• Coconut Shells.
• Dalmatian Jasper.
• Gray Lava.
• Green Kyanite.
• Green Jade.
• Labradorite.
• Mother of Pearl.
• Natural Shells.
• Peridot.
• Pink Coral.
  
• Red Coral.
• Rhodonite.
• Rose Quartz.
• Serpentine.
• Turquoise.
• Wood.
• Sterling Silver clasp.
• One-of-a-kind.
• Designed & handmade in California.
• Inspired by a powdery white sand beach in Cozumel, México, near a reef where dozens of species of fish congregate: parrotfish, barracuda, nurse sharks, sea turtles, & the endemic Cozumel splendid toadfish roam freely. If you're lucky, you might see an Eel or a Spotted Eagle Ray.

Abalone Shells Used for trading in many indigenous cultures, evidence shows how black, red, & green Abalone shells were a focal point of trade in the ancient American southwest. Abalone shells are associated with strengthening love within relationships & fostering interpersonal harmony, releasing negative feelings & easing stressful situations. Abalone is also linked with Cancer, Scorpio, & Pisces zodiac signs, which are connected to emotions, intuition, & the subconscious mind.

African Opal (Jasper) Historically, Jasper was a prized gem, with the name Jasper derived from the Greek word for "spotted stone." Associated with stabilizing the Heart Chakra (4th Chakra) & offering calming & purifying properties, African Opal Jasper's translucent quality is associated with finding inner peace & aiding emotional healing. It is also connected to the following zodiac signs: Scorpio, Leo, Capricorn, Virgo, Aries, & Cancer.

Amazonite  For the last 5,000+ years, Amazonite has served many purposes, making its appearance during the Bronze Age in Ancient Egyptian culture as a source of positive energy used to override evil & negativity, which was an important task when making the transition to the afterlife. It was so popular in Ancient Egypt that it was used in jewelry, amulets, funerary masks, & tomb decorations, as was the case with Tutankhamun's famous tomb, where an Amazonite ring & other decorations were found. There are connections between Amazonite & the cult of Osiris, since 'The Judgement of Osiris,' which is the 7th chapter in the Book of the Dead, was carved into slabs of Amazonite. Some scholars believe that the appeal of the cult of Osiris was inherent in the concept of an otherworldly afterlife. The Ancient Greeks also loved Amazonite, & like the Egyptians, used it to make jewelry. The Greeks linked it to Athena, the goddess of wisdom, courage, & inspiration. As a result, the stone came to represent good luck & prosperity. Much later during the Middle Ages, Amazonite was still a prized stone, & this time it was used to repel against evil spirits & sorcery. We are not sure where Amazonite was first discovered, but some link it to the Amazon River in Brazil, while others say it might be related to the famed Amazon tribe of women warriors. As a result of its historical applications, Amazonite is associated with promoting universal love & harmony, aiding in releasing toxic emotions, helping to overcome fear of judgment & confrontation, setting strong boundaries, & moving beyond past traumas. Believed to be connected to the 5th Chakra, or Throat Chakra, Amazonite is thought to aid in clear communication & analytical thinking. In some regions of the world, Amazonite is the birthstone for March, & it is also connected to the zodiac sign of Virgo.

Amethyst  Amethyst's name is derived from "amethystos," which means "not drunk" in Ancient Greek, because it was thought that amethysts would help a person maintain sharp wits in both business & battle. Commonly associated with royalty because of its purple coloring, Amethyst has been used to symbolize deep love, happiness, humility, sincerity, & wealth for centuries. It is associated with the 7th Chakra, also known as the Crown Chakra, located at the top of the head, which represents the energy & spiritual center of the body. Amethyst is also connected to the zodiac signs of Capricorn, Pisces, Aquarius, & Virgo.

Apatite Found across many continents, traces of Apatite were even found in the moon rocks collected by astronauts during the Apollo program. Apatite gems are green or blue, & to the untrained eye, Apatite can be difficult to distinguish from other stones. For this reason, it was named after the Greek goddess Apate, whose name is derived from the Ancient Greek word for 'trickery.' Apatite is the birthstone for December, & it is associated with the Gemini, Libra, & Aquarius zodiac signs. Some relate Apatite with the planet Mercury, which rules communication & learning, which is why it's believed to enhance communication skills & public speaking. Apatite is also linked to the Throat Chakra (5th Chakra), which is associated with communication, self-expression, & speaking one's truth. Some believe it can also be linked to the Solar Plexus Chakra (3rd Chakra), related to confidence, self-esteem, & personal power. 

Black Lava Rock Associated with the 1st Chakra, or Root Chakra, Black Lava derives its color from the iron & magnesium-rich minerals that emerge from volcanoes, making it a very light but durable igneous rock. Strength, stability, & rebirth are often related to Black Lava, & some civilizations have used it to build a strong connection to the Earth. Also known as basalt, Black Lava Rock is an integral part of the oral traditions passed down through generations of indigenous tribes in the areas around the northern Rocky Mountains in North America. One example is the Legend of the Serpent, which tells the story of a giant snake that circled & squeezed the mountains until liquid rock flowed down their slopes. Raw & primal, the energy of Black Lava Rock is associated with Cancer & Taurus zodiac signs. In areas that are now central México all the way down to Costa Rica, the Aztecs used Black Lava Rock for almost every activity in daily life, from creating calendars for telling time, molcajetes for cooking, statues for artistic expression, & metates for grinding corn. Perhaps there is a purpose that Black Lava serves in YOUR everyday life. 

Blue Lapis Lapis Lazuli, also known as Blue Lapis, has been historically associated with royalty, strength & courage, wisdom & intellect, & friendship & truth. From antiquity, Blue Lapis has been worn in the belief that it will ward off evil. Blue Lapis is also believed to represent the 6th Chakra, or Third Eye Chakra, where it is thought to bring harmony, love, & protection to relationships. In some parts of the world, Blue Lapis is one of the February birthstones, & it is also connected to the zodiac sign of Aquarius.

Blue Opal Coming from all over the world, Opals have been used for centuries, & the word “Opal” is thought to come from the Latin word “Opalus,” which is possibly derived from the Sanskrit “úpala” meaning “precious stone.” Ancient South American myths explain that the gem was a gift from the Inca earth goddess, Pachamama. Around the Mediterranean, ancient cultures even gave opals names such as ‘Pandora’ or ‘The Eye Stone.’ Globally, Australia is currently the largest exporter of Opals, so it makes sense that the Opal is Australia's national gemstone. Along with Tourmaline, Opal is the birthstone for October, & is connected to the Libra zodiac sign. By connecting the Heart & Third Eye Chakras, or 4th & 6th Chakras, Blue Opal supports us in learning how to act with both thought & feeling. For anyone who feels ruled by emotion or closed off from emotion, Blue Opal is believed to gently join the heart & mind to help us grow. So if you're feeling isolated, depressed, or social anxiety, maybe Blue Opal is your stone to help elevate your state of mind. 

Buri Seeds Buri Seeds come from the buri palm, which is considered the largest of the Philippine palms. The kernels of the fruits are edible & are used in desserts as well as medicinal treatments for many ailments including skin conditions & toothaches.

Coconut Shells The coconut tree is often referred to as the “tree of heaven” due to its height & the beautiful environments in which it grows. Coconut palms have been cultivated for more than 3,000 years. The hard outer shell of the coconut is seen as a representation of ego. Breaking the coconut is symbolic of breaking one's ego, & letting go of pride & arrogance.

Green Jade Long associated with longevity, wealth, & abundance, Green Jade was used to make chimeras in Ancient China that protected the dead from evil spirits. Jadeite jewelry has been found in ruins from the Jomon period in Japan, which dates back 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. A symbol of power & wealth, Jade was declared Japan's national stone in 2016. Connected to the 4th Chakra, or Heart Chakra, Green Jade is connected with our ability to give & receive love, compassion, & balance. Related to the zodiac signs of Taurus, Libra, & Pisces, Green Jade is also the spiritual birthstone for March. Jade is believed to bring good fortune & luck to Taurus, while Jade is also said to complement Libra's quest for balance & justice & help Pisces temper their impulsiveness & encourage patience.

Labradorite While there are many oral traditions about Labradorite, one of the most famous is that of an Inuit warrior who found a cave made of the stones. The Inuit warrior struck the fiery stone with his spear, releasing the vibrant colors into the sky, which created the Aurora Borealis. Labradorite symbolizes protection from the negativity of the world, & is linked to the 5th & 6th Chakras, or the Throat & Third Eye Chakras, assisting in free speech & higher knowledge. Some believe the zodiac sign of Cancer is drawn to the stone.

Mother of Pearl A stress-relieving stone, Mother of Pearl has been used for centuries to signify heightened intuition, wisdom, imagination, sensitivity, & adaptability. Because it is linked to the 4th Chakra, or Heart Chakra, it is believed to help strengthen the heart & immune system. Some believe it opens the 6th (Third Eye) Chakra & 7th (Crown) Chakra, associating it with wisdom. Mother of Pearl is connected with the zodiac sign of Pisces.

Natural Shells People created the earliest-known jewelry from natural shells. There is evidence that people in modern-day Algeria, Israel, & Morocco drilled holes into marine shells to make beads 100,000 years ago. It is in these same areas of North Africa & the Middle East that shells came to symbolize life. In ancient mythology, the Goddess of Love & Fertility, Venus, is often depicted as rising from the sea in a clamshell. Perhaps you've seen Botticelli's painting from 1485?

Peridot Formed in the Earth's mantle & also found in space, Peridot was mined by Ancient Egyptians in the Red Sea, & it was believed to keep people safe at night. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun," & used it to decorate all things decorative. Interestingly, Peridot is most certainly extraterrestrial, since it is found in Pallasite Meteorites that contain Olivine. ...Peridot is even mentioned in the Bible, and much later it was used in medieval times during the Crusades, particularly on religious objects. Then it became popular again with jewelry in the 1800s. Associated with the Heart & Solar Plexus Chakras, bringing alignment & balance to the upper & lower Chakras, so as to connect the earthly & spiritual realms. The birthstone for August, Peridot is thought to resonate with Leos & Virgos. 

Pink Coral Throughout history, Pink Coral has signified feminine fertility. Pink Coral represents love & harmony, & much like Red Coral, it is rare, only found in areas around the Mediterranean & the Sea of Japan. Most often linked to the Heart Chakra (4th Chakra), Pink Coral is believed to be connected to emotions, love, compassion, & emotional healing. It is also associated with the following zodiac signs: Aries (enhances confidence, strength, & leadership qualities), Scorpio (improves determination, focus, & emotional stability), Pisces (promotes emotional balance & spiritual growth), Sagittarius (enhances creativity & enthusiasm), Leo (brings energy, success, & protection from negative forces), & Capricorn (boosts vitality & helps overcome challenges). 

Red Coral Greek mythology explores the origin of Red Coral in the tale of Perseus. Perseus temporarily placed Medusa's head on a riverbank, where he witnessed her blood turn the seaweed into Red Coral. As a result, the Greek word for coral is 'Gorgeia,' since Medusa was one of the three Gorgons. The Romans hung pieces of coral around the necks of their children to shield them from illness & danger. Worn by a woman, coral was a charm against sterility. Red Coral signifies passion & courage, & it is linked to Mars, the planet believed to rule both the Aries & Scorpio zodiac signs. 

Rhodonite The name Rhodonite comes from the Greek word 'rhodon' meaning 'rose' because of its color. Rhodonite is believed to encourage love & cooperation, so naturally it is connected to the 4th Chakra, or Heart Chakra. The clearing of emotional wounds & scars is associated with the healing power of Rhodonite. Rhodonite is linked to Taurus, an Earth sign ruled by Venus, known for its ability to heal old wounds & encourage generosity & forgiveness. Rhodonite is also linked with Scorpio, a water sign, & is thought to help with emotional healing & balance.

Rose Quartz From the Greek myth about the famous lovers Aphrodite & Adonis, Rose Quartz became known as the stone of love & reconciliation. Aphrodite was cut by a thorn bush while saving Adonis from an attack by her jealous ex-lover Ares, who disguised himself as a wild boar. The blood of Aphrodite & Adonis combined & stained white quartz, making it a rose-pink color that caught the attention of Zeus. Zeus showed compassion, & thus brought Adonis back to Aphrodite for 6 months every year. Believed to emit strong vibrations of love, Rose Quartz is known as a healing crystal & the stone of unconditional love. Ancient Egyptians associated Rose Quartz with Isis, the goddess of love, fertility, healing, & the moon. As a result, Rose Quartz represented a source of eternal youth, & it is thought to open the 4th Chakra, or Heart Chakra. Rose Quartz is most closely associated with the zodiac sign of Taurus, which is an Earth sign ruled by Venus.

Serpentine We have evidence that Serpentine was used by Sumerians & Assyrians in Mesopotamia to imprint designs on clay. Serpentine was also carved into valuable statues & vessels. Its green color cherished the world over, it was used to make jewelry & decorate just about anything of value. The Maori people believed that Serpentine came from the tears of a woman, & so used it for sacred & symbolic objects. Its history is truly extensive, and we know that many indigenous cultures employed Serpentine in rituals to communicate with spirits. Used as offerings to Gods & Goddesses, Serpentine is connected with protection against negativity of all kinds, even snakebites. If you’ve been to Florence, you may have noticed that Serpentine is often used in Renaissance architecture, especially inlays on church facades. All things considered, Serpentine is a product of powerful energies, known in geologic terms as an ultramafic rock, found in areas where the Earth’s crust collides. Associated with the heart & solar plexus chakras, Serpentine is believed to open & activate these energy centers, allowing for a greater flow of love, compassion, & personal power.

Turquoise Ancient Egyptian tombs have provided the earliest evidence of Turquoise gemstones used in jewelry, dating back to 3000 BCE. King Tutankhamun’s iconic burial mask is an example of the Egyptians' extravagant love for the gem. The oldest Turquoise mines are located on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. One in particular is situated near an ancient temple dedicated to Hathor, the Greek goddess of love & joy who was worshiped as a protector in the desert & as the patron saint of mining. Perhaps this is why the Egyptians named Turquoise "mefkat," which means “joy” & “delight.” Ancient Aztecs valued Turquoise for its perceived power of protection & used it to decorate ceremonial masks, knives, & shields. Also believing that Turquoise was a source of protection, Persians adorned their necks, turbans, daggers, & horses’ bridles with it. The Persians named Turqouise "pirouzeh," which means “victory.” Later on, when Turkish traders introduced this “Persian blue” stone to Europe via the Silk Road in the 13th century, this influenced the gemstone’s western name. The word “turquoise” comes from the French phrase "pierre tourques," which means “Turkish stone.” Meanwhile, pre-Columbian Native Americans mined the Turquoise stone throughout areas that are now the southwestern United States. Native American Shamans used it in sacred ceremonies to communicate with the spirit of the sky. Apache Native Americans thought that attaching turquoise to bows improved accuracy. Turquoise is linked to the 5th Chakra, or Throat Chakra, & is said to help improve communication & public speaking. Turquoise is the birthstone of December & is associated with the zodiac sign of Sagittarius.

Wood An undeniable part of the history of jewelry, wood was used by ancient civilizations the world over, from Ancient Egypt to Ancient Greece to Ancient China, in addition to indigenous tribes across many continents. Depending upon the group, different species of wood were thought to offer different benefits, such as protection from negative energy, healing properties, or the ability to increase strength. Cedar was often used for its perceived protective qualities, while sandalwood was valued for its calming & meditative properties. In Ancient Egypt, wooden amulets were worn as protective talismans for both the living & the dead. In Africa, intricate wood carvings made into pendants tell oral traditions, & later on we see how wood was used in Medieval Europe to design rosaries, rings, & pendants, often decorated with religious symbols. It is here we can clearly see that the lightweight, versatile nature of wood created an accessibility for people from all backgrounds & social classes. Perhaps wood is the most inclusive material out of which to fashion jewelry.