Handmade, lightly oxidised sterling silver, twist wire design decorated pendant, set with oval crystal quartz hand-etched with tree of life design and a small round faceted amethyst gemstone. Length 54mm, width 22mm.

The concept of a tree of life has been used in science, religion, philosophy, and mythology. A tree of life is a, mythologies, common motif in various world theologies and philosophies. It alludes to the interconnection of all life on our planet and serves as a metaphor for common descent in the evolutionary sense. The term tree of life may also be used as a synonym for sacred tree.[1] The tree of knowledge, connecting to heaven and the underworld, and the tree of life, connecting all forms of creation, are both forms of the world tree or cosmic tree, according to the Encyclopædia Britannica,[2] and are portrayed in various religions and philosophies as the same tree. Various trees of life are recounted in folklore, culture and fiction, often relating to immortality or fertility. They had their origin in religious symbolism. [edit]Ancient Egypt Worshipping Osiris, Isis, and Horus In Egyptian mythology, in the Ennead system of Heliopolis, the first couple, apart from Shu and Tefnut (moisture and dryness) and Geb and Nuit (earth and sky), are Isis and Osiris. They were said to have emerged from the acacia tree of Iusaaset, which the Egyptians considered the tree of life, referring to it as the "tree in which life and death are enclosed." A much later myth relates how Set killed Osiris, putting him in a coffin, and throwing it into the Nile, the coffin becoming embedded in the base of a tamarisk tree.[4] The Egyptians' Holy Sycamore also stood on the threshold of life and death, connecting the two worlds. [edit]Armenia In ancient Armenia, the Tree of Life (Կենաց Ծառ) was a religious symbol and was drawn on walls of fortresses and carved on the armor of warriors. The branches of the tree were equally divided on the right and left sides of the stem, with each branch having one leaf, and one leaf on the apex of the tree. Servants stood on each side of the tree with one of their hands up as if they are taking care of the tree. [edit]Assyria The Assyrian Tree of Life was represented by a series of nodes and criss-crossing lines. It was apparently an important religious symbol, often attended to by eagle-headed gods and priests, or the King. Assyrilogists have not reached consensus as to the meaning of this symbol. It is multi-valent. The name "Tree of Life" has been attributed to it by modern scholarship; it is not used in the Assyrian sources. In fact, no textual evidence pertaining to the symbol is known to exist. [edit]Baha'i Faith The concept of the tree of life appears in the writings of the Baha'i Faith, where it can refer to the Manifestation of God, a great teacher who appears to humanity from age to age. The concept can be broken down still further, with the Manifestation as the roots and trunk of the tree and his followers as the branches and leaves. The fruit produced by the tree nourishes an ever-advancing civilization. A distinction has been made between the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The latter represents the physical world with its opposites, such as good and evil and light and dark. In a different context from the one above, the tree of life represents the spiritual realm, where this duality does not exist.[5] [edit]China In Chinese mythology, a carving of a Tree of Life depicts a phoenix and a dragon; the dragon often represents immortality. A Taoist story tells of a tree that produces a peach every three thousand years. The one who eats the fruit receives immortality. An archaeological discovery in the 1990s was of a sacrificial pit at Sanxingdui in Sichuan, China. Dating from about 1200 BCE, it contained three bronze trees, one of them 4 meters high. At the base was a dragon, and fruit hanging from the lower branches. At the top is a strange bird-like (phoenix) creature with claws. Also found in Sichuan, from the late Han dynasty (c 25 – 220 CE) is another tree of life. The ceramic base is guarded by a horned beast with wings. The leaves of the tree are coins and people. At the apex is a bird with coins and the Sun. [edit]Christianity See also: Tree of life (biblical) and Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil#Christianity In addition to the Hebrew Bible verses, the tree of life is symbolically described in the Book of Revelation as having curing properties: "the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." (Revelation 22:1-2) In Catholic Christianity, the Tree of Life represents the immaculate state of humanity free from corruption and Original Sin before the Fall. Pope Benedict XVI has said that "the Cross is the true tree of life." [6] Saint Bonaventure taught that the medicinal fruit of the Tree of Life is Christ himself.[7] Saint Albert the Great taught that the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ, is the Fruit of the Tree of Life.[8] In Eastern Christianity the tree of life is the love of God.[9] Germanic paganism and Norse mythology In Germanic paganism, trees played (and, in the form of reconstructive Heathenry and Germanic Neopaganism, continue to play) a prominent role, appearing in various aspects of surviving texts and possibly in the name of gods. The tree of life appears in Norse religion as Yggdrasil, the world tree, a massive tree (sometimes considered a yew or ash tree) with extensive lore surrounding it. Perhaps related to Yggdrasil, accounts have survived of Germanic Tribes' honouring sacred trees within their societies. Examples include Thor's Oak, sacred groves, the Sacred tree at Uppsala, and the wooden Irminsul pillar. In Norse Mythology, the apples from Iðunn's ash box provide immortality for the gods. [edit]Jewish sources Main articles: Etz Chaim and Tree of life (biblical) Etz Chaim, Hebrew for "tree of life," is a common term used in Judaism. The expression, found in the Book of Proverbs, is figuratively applied to the Torah itself. Etz Chaim is also a common name for yeshivas and synagogues as well as for works of Rabbinic literature. It is also used to describe each of the wooden poles to which the parchment of a Sefer Torah is attached. The tree of life is mentioned in the Book of Genesis; it is distinct from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. After Adam and Eve fell from God's favour by eating fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they were cast out of the Garden of Eden. Remaining in the garden, however, was the tree of life. To prevent access to this tree in the future, two cherubs with a flaming sword were placed at the garden's entrance. (Genesis 3:22-24) In the Book of Proverbs, the tree of life is associated with wisdom: "[Wisdom] is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and happy is every one that holdest her fast." (Proverbs 3:13-18) In 15:4 the tree of life is associated with calmness: "A soothing tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a wound to the spirit."[11] The Book of Enoch, generally considered non-canonical, states that in the time of the great judgment God will give all those whose names are in the Book of Life fruit to eat from the Tree of Life. [edit]Kabbalah Main articles: Tree of life (Kabbalah) and Sephirot Judaic Kabbalah Tree of Life 10 Sephirot, through which the Ein Sof unknowable Divine manifests Creation. The configuration relates to man Jewish mysticism depicts the Tree of Life in the form of ten interconnected nodes, as the central symbol of the Kabbalah. It comprises the ten Sephirot powers in the Divine realm. The panentheistic and anthropomorphic emphasis of this emanationist theology interpreted the Torah, Jewish observance, and the purpose of Creation as the symbolic esoteric drama of unification in the Sephirot, restoring harmony to Creation. From the time of the Renaissance onwards, Jewish Kabbalah became incorporated as an important tradition in non-Jewish Western culture, first through its adoption by Christian Cabala, and continuing in Western esotericism occult Hermetic Qabalah. These adapted the Judaic Kabbalah Tree of Life syncretically by associating it with other religious traditions, esoteric theologies, and magical practices. [edit]Mesoamerica Main article: Mesoamerican world tree The concept of world trees is a prevalent motif in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cosmologies and iconography. World trees embodied the four cardinal directions, which represented also the fourfold nature of a central world tree, a symbolic axis mundi connecting the planes of the Underworld and the sky with that of the terrestrial world.[12] Depictions of world trees, both in their directional and central aspects, are found in the art and mythological traditions of cultures such as the Maya, Aztec, Izapan, Mixtec, Olmec, and others, dating to at least the Mid/Late Formative periods of Mesoamerican chronology. Among the Maya, the central world tree was conceived as or represented by a ceiba tree, and is known variously as a wacah chan or yax imix che, depending on the Mayan language.[13] The trunk of the tree could also be represented by an upright caiman, whose skin evokes the tree's spiny trunk.[12] Directional world trees are also associated with the four Yearbearers in Mesoamerican calendars, and the directional colors and deities. Mesoamerican codices which have this association outlined include the Dresden, Borgia and Fejérváry-Mayer codices.[12] It is supposed that Mesoamerican sites and ceremonial centers frequently had actual trees planted at each of the four cardinal directions, representing the quadripartite concept. World trees are frequently depicted with birds in their branches, and their roots extending into earth or water (sometimes atop a "water-monster," symbolic of the underworld). The central world tree has also been interpreted as a representation of the band of the Milky Way.[14] [edit]Middle East The Epic of Gilgamesh is a similar quest for immortality. In Mesopotamian mythology, Etana searches for a 'plant of birth' to provide him with a son. This has a solid provenance of antiquity, being found in cylinder seals from Akkad (2390–2249 BCE). The Book of One Thousand and One Nights has a story, 'The Tale of Buluqiya', in which the hero searches for immortality and finds a paradise with jewel-encrusted trees. Nearby is a Fountain of Youth guarded by Al-Khidr. Unable to defeat the guard, Buluqiya has to return empty-handed. [edit]North America In a myth passed down among the Iroquois, The World on the Turtle's Back, explains the origin of the land in which a tree of life is described. According to the myth, it is found in the heavens, where the first humans lived, until a pregnant woman fell and landed in an endless sea. Saved by a giant turtle from drowning, she formed the world on its back by planting bark taken from the tree. The tree of life motif is present in the traditional Ojibway cosmology and traditions. It is sometimes described as Grandmother Cedar, or Nookomis Giizhig in Anishinaabemowin. [edit]Rastafari The Rastafari movement[15] and some Coptic Christians[16] consider cannabis to be the Tree of knowledge.It's normally only used for meditation[citation needed].The use of this herb will help to learn the inner-self and helps to clear the inner-self from the Ego(negativity)[citation needed]. [edit]Serer religion In Serer religion, the tree of life as a religious concept forms the basis of Serer cosmogony. Trees were the first things created on Earth by the supreme being Roog (or Koox among the Cangin). In the competing versions of the Serer creation myth, the Somb (prosopis africana, a species of prosopis) and the Saas tree (acacia albida) are both viewed as trees of life.[17] However, the prevailing view is that, the Somb was the first tree on Earth and the progenitor of plant life.[18][19] The Somb was also used in the Serer tumuli and burial chambers, many of which had survived for more than a thousand years.[18] Thus, Somb is not only the Tree of Life in Serer society, but the symbol of immortality.[18] [edit]Turkic world The Tree of Life, as seen as in flag of Chuvashia, a Turkic state in the Russian Federation The World Tree or Tree of Life is a central symbol in Turkic mythology. The blue sky around the tree reflects the peaceful nature of the country and the red ring that surrounds all of the elements symbolizes the ancient faith of rebirth, growth and development of the Turkic peoples.

Handmade, sterlling silver, crystal quartz column pendant, the setting decorated with fine silver wire spirals and milgrain dots. Length 38mm, width 10mm.

Handmade, unique sterling silver pendant, set with a large, rough, pink, rose quartz gemstone. Length 41mm, width 19mm. Matches earrings E3705/6/7 and bracelet B3707.

Called the Heart Stone, Rose Quartz may have been used as a love token as early as 600 B.C. and is still an important talisman of relationships. It is quite effective in attracting new love, romance and intimacy, or in developing a closer bond with family or friends. It supports connection within groups and community, and carries a high spiritual attunement to the Earth, Universe, and the Divine.

Rose Quartz also inspires the love of beauty, in oneself and others, in nature, and especially that which stimulates the imagination - art, music and the written word. [Melody, 570] Prized in the ancient world for its powers of physical beautification, facial masks of Rose Quartz have been recovered from Egyptian tombs, thought by the Egyptians and Romans to clear the complexion and prevent wrinkles. It was also a stone honored by the Tibetan and Oriental cultures, and continues to be one of the major carving stones of China.

Handmade, unique, sterling silver pendant set with a variety of pink and mauve coloured gemstones and a pearl. The pendant is set with  rough dark pink rubies, polished oval cabachon of pale pink rose quartz, a faceted teardrop and 2 small round faceted mauve coloured amethyst gemstones. Length 58mm, width 22mm.

Called the Heart Stone, Rose Quartz may have been used as a love token as early as 600 B.C. and is still an important talisman of relationships. It is quite effective in attracting new love, romance and intimacy, or in developing a closer bond with family or friends. It supports connection within groups and community, and carries a high spiritual attunement to the Earth, Universe, and the Divine.

Rose Quartz also inspires the love of beauty, in oneself and others, in nature, and especially that which stimulates the imagination - art, music and the written word. [Melody, 570] Prized in the ancient world for its powers of physical beautification, facial masks of Rose Quartz have been recovered from Egyptian tombs, thought by the Egyptians and Romans to clear the complexion and prevent wrinkles. It was also a stone honored by the Tibetan and Oriental cultures, and continues to be one of the major carving stones of China.

Amethyst. Pale lavender to deepest violet. Purple is the color of Spirit Amethyst is a member of the quartz group, the most common crystal. It is well known for powerful intuitive energy. An extremely protective stone with a high spiritual vibration, it is a stone of sobriety and spirituality. It can calm the mind and help connect you to your spiritual side. The name for amethyst derives from the Greek and Roman belief that the stone helped protect against drunkenness. Vessels for alcoholic beverages were made from the gemstone. To gift a purple amethyst is a gift of deep passion. Found in India, Africa, Brazil, Britain as well as many other places.

Wear or carry Ruby to overcome exhaustion and lethargy. It stimulates circulation and amplifies energy and vitality to the whole system. However, those who are highly sensitive or irritable may find this stone over-stimulating or uncomfortable to wear. Ruby has been known to calm hyperactivity in some individuals. [Hall, 250-251][Gienger, 75]

Ruby is an aphrodisiac, allowing one to experience all forms of love, from wild sensuality to mystical communion. It deepens a couple’s relationship and encourages closeness and commitment. It is also the stone of courtly love and may honor admiration from a distance. [Megemont, 160] Worn during lovemaking, Ruby can help restore and maintain passion, and is excellent for increasing the chances for conception. [Eason, 71][Gienger, 75]

Ruby’s intense energy sharpens the mind, bringing a heightened awareness and excellent concentration. It promotes a courageous attitude, and may increase one’s success in controversies and disputes. [Hall, 251][Melody, 573]

Ruby helps reduce fear of the paranormal and evil. It banishes nightmares, and guards against psychic and psychological attack. It is a shielding crystal, protecting the home from fire and intruders, and is good to wear discreetly to stay safe at night.

Handmade, polished sterling silver, oval pendant, set with 4 pieces of rough blue iolite gemstone. Length 44mm, width 26mm.

Like a crisp, dark winter sky, Iolite, in shifting shades of violet-blue carries the spirit of journey, of dreams and intuition, of exploration and illumination. It is known as the Vikings' Compass, and provides the vision to move us, physically and spiritually, from one realm to the next.

Leif Eriksson and other Viking explorers who ventured far out into the Atlantic Ocean, away from any coastline that would help determine position, used thin pieces of Iolite as the world's first polarizing filter. Looking through an Iolite lens, they could determine the exact location of the sun and navigate safely to the New World and back. 

A property called pleochroism is very pronounced in Iolite, producing different colors when the stone is seen through different positions. Overall, Iolite appears as violet-blue or indigo, but in different positions may shift to a yellow-gray or honey color, and even to a clear light blue. It is also referred to as "Water Sapphire" or Dichroite. Iolite's name comes from the Greek ios, meaning violet, and is the gem version of the mineral Cordierite.

Iolite helps in recovering balance, and is recommended for those suffering from disorientation, lack of motivation, chronic disorganization, and distraction. [Megemont, 96] It strengthens the resolve to take on responsibility and carry through, and provides self-assurance and endurance in adverse situations. [Gienger, 32] It is an excellent source of energy when used for the elimination of debt and the responsible management of money. 

Iolite restores a sense of perspective to those who feel they are jinxed, and inspires anyone with a chaotic life to start to bring order in small practical ways. 

Iolite resonates with the energy of twilight, a beautiful violet-blue that stimulates the astral bodies and psychic awareness. It reveals realms beyond the usual waking consciousness and is ideal for astral projection, dimensional and other inner vision works, and is excellent for past- and alternate-life work. 

Iolite is a stone of the muses, activating the visionary, creative side of the mind, and accessing thoughts and ideas beyond the ordinary. It inspires creative self-expression through writing, song, movement and other artistic endeavors. 

Use Iolite to strengthen family dilemmas. Place in the living area if sibling rivalry or the presence of a new step-parent is causing a child to feel excluded. Use Iolite if family members have over-high expectations of you, or if your career path was chosen for you because of family connections. As an amulet, Iolite brings travelers safely home. Give a piece of Iolite jewelry or a tumblestone as a farewell gift to students leaving home or emigrating family members. 

Iolite aids in understanding and releasing the causes of addiction, allowing for the expression of one's true self, freed from the expectations of others. 

Handmade, textured sterling silver abstract pendant, set with a piece of rough iolite gemstone and 2 round cabachon polished moonstones. Length 45mm, width 24mm.

Like a crisp, dark winter sky, Iolite, in shifting shades of violet-blue carries the spirit of journey, of dreams and intuition, of exploration and illumination. It is known as the Vikings' Compass, and provides the vision to move us, physically and spiritually, from one realm to the next.

Leif Eriksson and other Viking explorers who ventured far out into the Atlantic Ocean, away from any coastline that would help determine position, used thin pieces of Iolite as the world's first polarizing filter. Looking through an Iolite lens, they could determine the exact location of the sun and navigate safely to the New World and back. 

A property called pleochroism is very pronounced in Iolite, producing different colors when the stone is seen through different positions. Overall, Iolite appears as violet-blue or indigo, but in different positions may shift to a yellow-gray or honey color, and even to a clear light blue. It is also referred to as "Water Sapphire" or Dichroite. Iolite's name comes from the Greek ios, meaning violet, and is the gem version of the mineral Cordierite.

Iolite helps in recovering balance, and is recommended for those suffering from disorientation, lack of motivation, chronic disorganization, and distraction. [Megemont, 96] It strengthens the resolve to take on responsibility and carry through, and provides self-assurance and endurance in adverse situations. [Gienger, 32] It is an excellent source of energy when used for the elimination of debt and the responsible management of money. 

Iolite restores a sense of perspective to those who feel they are jinxed, and inspires anyone with a chaotic life to start to bring order in small practical ways. 

Iolite resonates with the energy of twilight, a beautiful violet-blue that stimulates the astral bodies and psychic awareness. It reveals realms beyond the usual waking consciousness and is ideal for astral projection, dimensional and other inner vision works, and is excellent for past- and alternate-life work. 

Iolite is a stone of the muses, activating the visionary, creative side of the mind, and accessing thoughts and ideas beyond the ordinary. It inspires creative self-expression through writing, song, movement and other artistic endeavors. 

Use Iolite to strengthen family dilemmas. Place in the living area if sibling rivalry or the presence of a new step-parent is causing a child to feel excluded. Use Iolite if family members have over-high expectations of you, or if your career path was chosen for you because of family connections. As an amulet, Iolite brings travelers safely home. Give a piece of Iolite jewelry or a tumblestone as a farewell gift to students leaving home or emigrating family members. 

Iolite aids in understanding and releasing the causes of addiction, allowing for the expression of one's true self, freed from the expectations of others. 

Handmade, sterling silver milgrain dots decorated pendant, set with a cabachon cut, ellipse shaped moonstone. Length 33mm, width 15mm.

Handmade, sterlling silver pendant with scrolled wire decoration, set with a cabachon cut, ellipse shaped moonstone gemstone. Length 34mm, width 15mm.

Handmade, sterling silver pendant with scrolled wire decoration, set with an ellipse shaped faceted blue topaz gemstone. Length 35mm, width 15mm.

Blue Topaz stones will heighten your ability to communicate better, and to express yourself in a meaningful way, both when speaking or when writing.

It is a helpful stone if you have been having difficulties with public speaking.

It may also assist you to think better and to concentrate on the task undertaken.

It will also help you to decide what type of employment you wish to be in, and has a vibration that allows you to make clearer and more specific decisions about the direction you wish to take your life.

It aids you to discuss your life path with those dearest to you, as it helps you to clearly express your hopes and wishes. It will help you to speak clearly and to communicate what comes through from spirit, in a manner that others can clearly understand.

Handmade, sterling silver, milgrain dots decorated, oval, faceted blue topaz pendant. Length 29mm, width 15mm.

Blue Topaz stones will heighten your ability to communicate better, and to express yourself in a meaningful way, both when speaking or when writing.

It is a helpful stone if you have been having difficulties with public speaking.

It may also assist you to think better and to concentrate on the task undertaken.

It will also help you to decide what type of employment you wish to be in, and has a vibration that allows you to make clearer and more specific decisions about the direction you wish to take your life.

It aids you to discuss your life path with those dearest to you, as it helps you to clearly express your hopes and wishes. It will help you to speak clearly and to communicate what comes through from spirit, in a manner that others can clearly understand.