Red Gold and Green

Soulful and ethnic, this African-inspired necklace is an artful composition of exotic brass beads from Africa, a magnificent Ethiopian cross and the wonderful and bright Pan-African colors based on the Ethiopian flag originating from the Rastafari movement. Filled with a cultural richness and appreciation of history, this bold piece of jewelry has an aura of significance and love of knowledge.

The expressive handmade silver cross was imported directly from Ethiopia. All of the crosses I have received are unique in both size and shape of cross, so the pendants will vary from necklace to necklace. These crosses are usually named after towns or provinces of the highlands and are either cast by the lost wax method or cut directly from a Maria Theresa dollar.

Ornate and weathered, the large woven brass bead is made in a village near Kumasi, Ghana. These old-world style beads are made, one by one, by weaving wax "wires" into a form, investing them in clay, burning out the wax and pouring molten brass into the mold. Each mold is hand made making each bead slightly different from the next. Although these appear to be ancient beads, they are actually newly made in Ghana. The brass beads on the sides of this bead and those framing the cross are old Cameroon brass trade beads from Nigeria. They are rough, inexact and uniquely handmade.

The red, gold and green beads are sponge coral, faceted butterscotch agate and jade, respectively. The deep violet beads are carved from the gemstone sugilite, a rare stone found primarily in South Africa. These beads can range from light lavender to dark purple and will vary from necklace to necklace. Although I don’t put much stock into the "meaning" of stones, sugilite is interesting in that it is considered an important love stone. It represents spiritual love and wisdom, alleviating tension and disappointment with its beautiful purple rays, bringing healing with love.

You may in fact be interested in my South Africa with Love necklace and bracelet that very nicely complement this necklace and that were named for these purple "love" stones.

This captivating piece of exotic art jewelry closes with a brass lobster clasp and is adjustable from 14 to 18 inches at the shortest strand with the longest strand at 20" and the pendant itself approximately 2 ½ inches.