ARTEMIS EARRINGS: Faceted TURQUOISE (DECEMBER BIRTHSTONE)

Our December birthstone is TURQUOISE, and once again we have some lovely gemstones to use in our earrings and necklaces!

My "Artemis" collection was inspired by the Greek Goddess of hunting, the wilderness and wild animals! Equal parts feminine and badass warrior, my design for the Artemis earrings and necklaces features a hammered brass curved "bow", with Faceted Opals. 
 
Artemis, in ancient Greek religion, was the goddess of wild animals, the hunt, vegetation and of chastity and childbirth. (She was identified by the Romans as Diana.) Artemis was the daughter of Zeus and Leto and was the twin sister of Apollo. Among the rural populace, Artemis was the favorite goddess! Her character and function varied greatly from place to place but behind all forms lay the goddess of wild nature who danced, usually accompanied by nymphs in mountains, forests, and marshes. 

Turquoise is perhaps the oldest decorative stone in mankind's history, the Taliswoman of Kings and Queens, Shamans, and Warriors. It is a stone of protection, strong and opaque, yet soothing to the touch. The delicate veining or mottled webbing in cream or brown is inherent to the stone and serves to enhance its character. For thousands of years, Turquoise has spanned all cultures, prized as a symbol of wisdom, nobility and the power of immortality. Among the Ancient Egyptians, Persians and Chinese, Aztecs and Incas of South America, and Native North Americans, Turquoise was sacred in its adornment and for power, luck, and protection. Turquoise strengthens the meridians of the body and the subtle energy fields, enhancing communication between the physical and spiritual worlds. Placed on the Third Eye, it supports intuition and meditation. On the throat chakra, it releases old vows, inhibitions, and allows the soul to express itself once more. 

The width of the "string" of gemstones is 1 3/16" wide, the "bow" is 1 1/4" wide x 1 1/2" tall. These hang 4 1/2" from the sterling silver earwires to the bottoms of the silver chains.

*Due to the unique qualities of every Turquoise, the pair you receive may be slightly different from the ones pictured, but as they come from the same batch of gemstones they are all very consistent in size and coloration!