Tangible Tidbits 2011 #4: In Loving Memory...

For this week's blog post, I am re-posting the first-ever Focal Piece of the Month from Something Tangible's website, which was a necklace I created as a gift for my friend Karen a little more than a year ago. Sadly, she passed away last weekend at the age of 42. I will miss you, my friend. :(

For the site's first Focal Piece -- for those who don't know jewelry lingo, a "focal piece" is a pendant or large bead that that draws your attention to it in a piece of jewelry, so I thought that was an appropriate name for this section -- we're highlighting a prototype necklace I made as a gift for a friend. This particular necklace features Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, and Moonstone, with a cross of Lapis Lazuli. I picked these stones because they are all reputed to affect cancer according to SobrietyStones.com, and my friend has colon cancer. With that last fact in mind, the stones are connected with blue Niobium wire, since the ribbon color for colon cancer is dark blue. I selected a cross as the focal piece for her necklace because my friend is a religious person and when I saw the Lapis one, I thought it was perfect for this. Here are some additional properties of the gemstones, as reported by various sources:

Carnelian: A mineral commonly used as a semi-precious gemstone, according to Wikipedia.org. "...Applied physically, [it can] promote balanced digestion. For lower abdominal pain, especially in woman and in pregnancy, this stone placed on the pubic bone each day for twenty minutes will reduce the pain. Carnelian encourages the formation of new blood cells, and bleeding will respond favorably to treatment with this stone. Physically, carnelian has been used to encourage healing of open sores, rheumatism, kidney stones and other kidney problems. It is said that this stone will help cleanse and purify the blood, thus giving more physical energy."

Lapis Lazuli: "It is useful for treating fevers, headaches including migraines, pain, hypertension, depression, anxiety and stress as well as being an excellent aid inspiring a peace of mind and heart. It is resourceful for healing various problems including those associated with the brain, eyes, ears, throat, the thyroid and the glands surrounding the thyroid, the heart, spleen, lungs, the sinuses, while giving the immune system a boost. It is also useful for insomnia and the feelings of restlessness. It is also interesting to note that Lapis Lazuli is a crystal that aids in reducing cruelty and violence and may be another worthwhile stone for those who suffer from the antics of bullies as well as for those who have a tendency of a bully." (Note: The article on Factoidz from which I obtained this quote originally is no longer there.)

Moonstone: "[It] is said to assist with female issues and with childbirth. By unblocking the lymphatic system, it can heal and balance the stomach, pancreas, and pituitary gland. It can reduce swelling and excess body fluid. Placed under the pillow it will allow for a more peaceful sleep, and is often used as a cure for insomnia, and used along with the amethyst."