Capturing a Moment in Jewelry

 Every time I wear my favorite ring, someone compliments me on it then asks me about it.  I thought I would give you the inside scoop, the story behind my signature Sterling Silver Pedestal Ring, plus a little something fun I learned along the way…

As I strolled along the Pawley’s Island beach in South Carolina one day, I found this awesome pebble’ish stone which I believe to be sand stone. It called out to me with its smooth surface even with a sandy looking texture and it had this perfect little hole.  Little did I know I had found a very special stone which is called a Holey Stone, go figure (see fun facts below). As I looked closer at the stone I thought, “What a perfect place for a cultured pearl. I should make myself a statement ring that I can wear everyday that captures the awesome memories we as a family have shared here.”

I ended up making three of my signature sterling silver pedestal rings for me and my two sister-in-law's with stones I found on the beach that year. I was certainly glad I did as it ended up being quite poignant. It was the last year the Muse family stayed in that special place for our family beach vacation. As our individual family units grew our needs for a larger space grew as well, so we moved to a larger house the next summer on a different beach.

I'm so glad I took that moment to allow myself to create this ring 15 years ago. I wear it all the time, and as you can see from the photos above, it now has ‘love marks’ in the silver, paint on the stone, it has aged well, the sand stone and silver developing a beautiful patina which is rubbed smooth every time I wear it, and the amazing cultured pearl is as brilliant as the day I placed it in the hole.

This ring brings back memories of the days of building sand castles, sunning on the beach with the sounds of waves rolling in, having big family meals together, taking long nighttime walks along the shore, transitioning from young adults to responsible parents, the start of our own nuclear families, and creating new lives while being a part of something bigger than ourselves. We belong to a family.

This is why I love custom design work. The personal connection that develops between me and my clients and you and your jewelry. Not only am I creating a piece that accentuates your style, I’m creating a piece that tells your story and becomes ingrained in your life.

Capture a memory in a piece of jewelry made just for you.

 

Did you know…

Holey Stones (also known as Odin stones or Hag stones) are stones with natural holes them? They can be found along a sea bed, rivers or streams, anywhere that rushing water can tumble past and through them creating the holes at their weakest points.

According to legend, the Hag stone got its name because a variety of ailments, all curable with the use of the stone, were attributed to spectral hags causing illness or misfortune.

In some areas, it’s referred to as a Holey stone or an Adder stone giving luck to the wearer or bearer.

Fun Facts:
1- Holey stones have been used for hundreds of years in the South West of England to protect people against Witchcraft and Witches, and, they are still used to this day on fishing boats for this very reason.

2- A common place to hang them is over windows and doors.  They are also said to protect against nightmares, so hang one above your bed or on your bedstead.

3- Legend says that if you hold a holey stone up to your eye and look through it you can see creatures that you cannot normally see, such as Fae folk.

Depending on the source, the Holey stone can be used for:
*    Warding off the spirits of the dead
*    Protection of people, livestock and property
*    Protection of sailors and their ships
*    Seeing into the realm of the Fae
*    Fertility magic
*    Healing magic and banishing of illness
*    Preventing bad dreams or night terrors

If my story inspires you and you’re ready to take the plunge, just drop me a line. I am the one on the other end of emails and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you one-on-one.

Sarah EK Muse at Studio 12 - email: sarah@sarahmuse.com
CUSTOM INQUIRY FORM

Or, if you are interested in purchasing one of my newest re-designed Signature Pedestal Rings, CLICK HERE.