Tying The Knot

I am so excited to be attending a great friend from college's wedding in Israel. As a little "happy" and belated birthday present I made her this custom sterling silver bow necklace. It is inscribed with their Hebrew names and is intended to represent the strong bond between them. Mazal Tov, Mara and Harel!  

Sterling Silver Necklace with Israel background

"Tie the Knot"

 'It isn't clear whether this expression derives from an actual knot used in marriage ceremonies or whether the knot is merely symbolic of a lasting unity. Knots have a place in the folklore of many cultures and usually symbolize unbreakable pledges. Actual knots have certainly been used in marriage ceremonies for some time and the tradition of trying the wrists of the bride and groom with twine continues today in marriages in the use of sashes which are placed over the principal's wrists. The word 'knot', although not in the phrase 'tie the knot', has been associated with marriage since at least the 13th century. '

Sterling Silver

Lockets

I love the personal connection a person has with a locket. It can keep precious items safe as well as close to the heart. These pieces were very fun to create. 

The locket on the left is part of my "To Life" collection. I etched the metal to resemble the design on the fossilized agate while subtlety hiding the words "LIFE," "CHAI" (in Hebrew), and "18." The inside stamping reads "The Lord is my Sheperd, I shall not want" and "Chai" cut out in copper. This piece is meant to hold photographs of loved ones to keep a connection with the wearer.

The middle locket has rutilated quartz stones on one side and hammered "sticks" on the other side. I called this locket "sticks and stones" because I want the wearer to put secret words inside. 

Left: Life Locket 

etched brass, copper, agate

Middle: Sticks and Stones Locket

nickel, brass, copper, rutilated quartz

Right: Evil Eye Pendant

nickel, brass, copper, labradorite