I was in a discussion about my hair a few days ago on Facebook.  A friend of mine mentioned using olive oil as a way to control the frizzies.  I never would have thought that conversation would inspire a jewel.  But it did.

I remembered a book I have here on the Olive tree, and the uses of olive oil...the symbolism and the health benefits.  It only made sense that what my friend was saying was true...about how the oil would be good for the hair.  (I used it, and it's WONDERFUL, btw)

And then I started thinking about the olive green tourmaline in my studio, and I began putting together an idea for an olive tree pendant - my version.

This is what I came up with.  I used golden brass wire for this pendant and antiqued it for depth.  The bottom of the pendant represents the gnarled trunk of the tree...and the top, the abundant display of leaves and fruit. 

The Olive tree is one of the longest living and most recorded trees in history.  It's a symbol of peace.  Maybe wearing the olive tree pendant will bring a long, peaceful life to its owner.  Wouldn't that be wonderful? :)

The Olive Tree pendant is available here.

I finally had a chance to work with this cherry quartz.  I LOVE THESE!  Rondelle shaped, they are huge and faceted and an absolutely gorgeous shade of deep pink.  I paired tourmaline in deep, rich olive colors (with a tinge of pink) with the stunning bead, and accented with freshwater pearls.  I wove silver wire with great precision to frame the focal bead, and added a tornado bead at the top.

The precision wire work paired with the freeform of the tornado bead wire work is representative of my life.  That perfect, woven frame is how I'd like my life to be.  Yet it often ends up in a tornado as represented by the top bead.  I'm sure some of you can relate.  It's tough when things are going along fine, and then they spiral out of control.  It's wonderful, though, to take that situation, and turn it into something of beauty...a keepsake...and heirloom to remind us that even though we have tornado moments, beauty can still come from within them. :)