A Treasure in Every Way

 On a beautiful fall afternoon, I found this special pendant in my mailbox and I've only taken it off to shower since then, except for this little foray out into the woods. Something about this piece made me want to take a photo on a bed of moss, and I finally did it! I should have taken out the real camera, not just cell phone, but another day. Great fun to display elements and gem in natural settings, and as much as I like how it came out, can't hold a candle to the way the afternoon light complimented in real life.

This came straight off the workbench of a talented artist that has had a shop on historic Jeweler's Row in Philadelphia for many years. This particular piece was created just for me, silver, gold and opal configured in such a way to include elements of symbolism influenced by Celtic design. Over the years, I've been gifted special pieces from my parents and this jeweler, treasures that mean a lot to me; but a piece made for me was humbling somehow.

Of course this isn't a random artist, Jane Theis is my cousin. She has been metal smithing since at least high school, if not before. Her accomplishments are many, and to say she is talented is an understatement.

We all need to feel special sometimes, and to think about symbolism and be empowered by the thought, care and love that went into creating art. Where would we be without art as a way to create, a way to appreciate, a way to lift us up, move our spirits and feed our soul ~~

Thank you Cuz