Category: Fun Fact

The Tree of Life

Quartz Tree of Life pendant "Ice Storm"
Quartz Tree of Life pendant “Ice Storm”

The “Tree of Life” is a motif that has appeared in numerous cultures, religions and folklore. Typically, it appears as a leafy, healthy tree with a sturdy trunk and visible roots. It has represented a variety of concepts, including wisdom, healing, purity, and the threshold between life and death. In Norse mythology Yggdrasil, the world tree, supports the nine worlds and is the focus of numerous myths.

Around a year ago Drakestail started creating our own handmade Tree of Life pendants. Inspired by the depth of meaning and the soothing, earthy appearance, I decided to create a Tree of Life pendant for myself, initially using silver-plated wire and pale green jade chips. I love how it turned out, and wear it often. I got lots of positive comments about it, as well as requests! Since then I’ve created several permutations, using aventurine, carnelian, clear quartz and rose quartz to represent the Tree in different seasons. I’ve also worked some up with copper wire, to great effect. Using gemstone chips and twisting the trunks by hand, each pendant is unique.

 

Want to see more?  We have some Tree of Life pendants in stock right now on Etsy!

Carnelian Tree of Life pendant
Carnelian Tree of Life pendant “Autumn Maple”
Jade Tree of Life pendant
Jade Tree of Life pendant “Spring Buds”

Tip: caring for your jewellery

Here’s an eco-friendly idea to help keep your jewellery looking great: Keep those packets of silica gel that you find in shoe boxes and other packaging.  Tuck them in your jewellery box or anywhere you store jewellery.  They absorb humidity, which helps prevent tarnish.  Re-using silica gel packets keeps them out of the landfill, and working for you.

Of course, make sure they’re tucked away where youngsters won’t get at them, as they are dangerous if ingested.

Fun fact: Amber

Amber is a beautiful material, ranging from from rich orange, brown and umber colours to a striking yellow-green.  It is not actually a gemstone, but fossilized tree sap.  This makes it very lightweight.

Not sure if your piece of amber is real or a clever fake?  Try this test: Find a container large enough to submerge your amber in.  Fill it with water, and put in as much salt as you can dissolve.  Stir until the salt! crystals are completely dissolved.  Then, place your piece of amber in the salt solution.  If it floats, it’s real.

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