Lemonade from Lemons

I had a custom order that didn't work out. A good customer sent me a photo and asked if I could replicate it to make 3 rosaries. It was a beautiful oval tourmaline, sterling silver wirewrapped rosary. It had a remarkable light blue cameo center. I'd never seen anything like it. So, I gathered resources and offered an estimate, which he accepted. But after I had all the parts on hand, most of the tourmaline beads, which are a fairly uniform oval, predictably (for nuggets) wouldn't accept even 24 gauge wire. I'm in some serious pain at this point. I was unhappy about having to use that fine of a wire in the first place because with wirewrapping, it can get brittle and snap too easily to suit me. So I explained to my customer, who understood I think, and refunded his deposit. A long story short is that I have 5 strands of tourmaline on hand I wouldn't ordinarily have. I love, love, love tourmaline, but it's too pricey for my plans. Ouch, in other words. The rosary parts aren't my favorites, but they are nice and will be used eventually. I'm not one to make returns, so I see a lot of tourmaline nuggets in my future. I really prefer to design a rosary myself because I'm so picky about all kinds of little details and also because of surprise problems like this, but custom orders are important,too. I really didn't like having to disappoint a good customer. Anyway, here we go...photos above are of the first two of a boatload. Posting for sale soon. Blessings, everyone. Debbie

The Jerusalem Cross

Turquoise & Sterling Silver Wirewrapped Bracelet with Jerusalem Cross

The Jerusalem cross is also known as the Crusaders' Cross, because it was on the papal banner given to the Crusaders by Pope Urban II for the First Crusade, and was a symbol of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. The four smaller crosses symbolize the four books of the Gospel or the four directions the Word of Christ spread from Jerusalem. Alternately, all five crosses symbolize the five wounds of Christ during the Passion.

August Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Nancy, my Rosary Guild's August Giveaway winner. Nancy won the beautiful chrysocolla and lapis lazuli rosary with the Pardon crucifix and St. Benedict center. She was very happy to win and said her dad would love the rosary. Thank you for participating, Nancy! Please visit our shops again.