![MyOrnamentbySermin](https://d2j6dbq0eux0bg.cloudfront.net/images/11450320/515402087.jpg)
Inspired by African and Eastern Culture, this ornament is a Multi-Layer choker necklace. It can be worn looser as well. There is a fair amount of extension to play with the fit.
This is a handmade necklace that took two days to make design-wise and construction-wise.
A bit about the inspired culture:
African jewelry items tend to be big, bold and chunky using, customarily, organic materials, like hide, bone, wood etc.
This ornament was made by using Tiger’s Eye beads and wood beads. The inspiration also came from the tribal African high neck collar choker. This piece is a contemporary version, made of beads instead of metal rings.
“Beads and handmade jewelry have played an important role in Africans life and in the court life of African kingdoms, being valued sometimes as currency and sometimes as an artistic creation.”
(Source: https://africa-facts.org/african-jewelry-2/)
Now a little about the Hamsa hand:
Let’s take a look at the meaning of this enigmatic symbol in Buddhism and Hinduism, as well as Jewish and Muslim cultures.
The hamsa is an ancient Middle Eastern symbol that holds a variety of meanings across cultures. Nevertheless, it is regarded in all faiths as a protective talisman that brings good fortune, health and happiness.
The hamsa is primarily used to protect its owner from the ‘Ayin Ha’ra,’ also known as ‘The Evil Eye’. The hamsa wards off any potential negative forces, with the most common being envious glares from those with ill intentions. The earliest use of the hamsa can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) where it was worn as an amulet to protect against the evil eye.
*In Jewish faiths, the hamsa represents the hand of God and is known as ‘The Hand of Miriam’. Miriam was the virtuous sister to Moses (who led the Israelites out of Egypt) and Aron (who became the first High Priest). Miriam’s honourable life led her to becoming a symbol of great protection and luck.
* In Muslim culture, the hamsa is known as ‘The Hand of Fatima’. Fatima Al Zahra was the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and his first wife, Khadija. ‘Al Zahra’ is said to mean the shining one. As Fatima is seen as pure and without sin, The Hand of Fatima is considered a symbol of protection, power and strength.
* In Buddhism and Hinduism, the hamsa takes on a very different meaning. For Hindus and Buddhists, the hamsa represents the chakras, the five senses and their associated mudras (hand gestures) that re-direct energy flow throughout the body.
Thumb- Fire element / solar plexus chakra.
Forefinger- Air element / the heart chakra.
Middle Finger- Ethereal elements / throat chakra
Ring Finger- Earth element / root chakra
Pinkie Finger- Water element / sacral chakra
Whatever your cultural interpretation of the hamsa, keeping this symbol closeby is said to bring positivity, good luck and happiness.
(Source: https://ishka.com.au/blogs/spirit/what-does-the-hamsa-symbolise)
And what about the 7 Chakra Gemstones?
😳💭(“so much information”)
Chakra stones are healing crystals that have a specific vibration and color.
All of the chakras have specific colors that can be used to heal them, as well as specific sound vibrations.
There are many healing crystals for you to use to help each of the chakras, and various stones may be particularly powerful to aid you to heal in different ways.
(Source: https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/chakra-stones.html)
The 7 stones used in this ornament are as follows:
•Amethyst (Crown chakra)
•Sodalite (Third Eye chakra)
•Turquoise (Throat chakra)
•Hiddenite (Heart chakra)
•Citrine (Solar Plexus chakra)
•Garnet (Sacral chakra)
•Red Coral (Root chakra)
Last but not least the Tiger’s Eye:
•Tiger’s eye is a solar gemstone of courage, strength and personal power. It stimulates the first 3 chakras to help you remain grounded and supported during times of stress.
•Affirmation:
‘I am courageous, strong and powerful’
•Tiger’s Eye= Strength+patience+determination
•Attracting prosperity and good luck, this stone increases confidence and leadership, improves intuition and mental clarity, and promotes boldness, new beginnings and strength. It also speeds up your metabolism and sex drive. This is a wonderful stone to carry when positioning yourself in a new situation or venture.
•Stimulates taking action. Helps you to release fear. Carried as amulet against curses and ill-wishings. Helps you manifest desires and reach goals.
•If you’re interested in getting yourself a tigers eye stone but you’re not sure what it’s for, you should know that it’s a stone that amplifies and boosts the energies of any quartz, crystal, or stone.
It’s a great stone to pair with your favorite quartz or crystal, and you can expect it to magnify the quartz or crystal’s effect on you.
It’s a must-have if you’re looking for balance and harmony in your life. You may be feeling like you’re losing control of one aspect of your life because you’re too busy dealing with another.
As you can see…this necklace is a pure “multi-vitamin” for your soul and mind 😉
Diversity is TREASURE
MyOrnamentbySermin represents the strong, confident individual who aims at researching the history of different cultures, traditions, civilizations and beliefs to grow intellectually and as a human being. Each new culture that is encountered with becomes the new found treasure... Find your authentic and culturally rich, unique, silver or gold necklaces, earrings, pendants, amulets and more… here.
MyOrnamentbySermin
Founder, Designer & Visual Composer with Toffee
Sermin has been in the Arts, for over 20 years: After graduating from a well known Fine Arts Academy located in Istanbul, she has worked as a women’s ready-to-wear designer, a stylist for photoshoots, that were published in magazines like Elle, Cosmogirl etc, a fashion consultant and as a model.
"Any form of design & performance is my passion for expression. By making jewelry and telling each design’s story, I'm hoping to touch a lot of beautiful hearts and meet a lot of souls".
Paying homage to my best friend and family in this picture, whom I lost on December 29, 2022, my little “Toffee”. She is a very special angel in my life who constantly shared her unconditional love with me. She is my inspiration and emotional crutch even today… and will always be, as she is forever with me. Our bodies fade, but the energy of our love and connection goes on eternally. I love you Toffee. Forever. Until we meet again.
-Sermin