Celebrate 250! is my birthday gift to the USA's 250th birthday. I used Garnet, Mother of Pearl and Laps along with Delica Glass spacers and a Silver filled toggle clasp. The shortest strand is 18 3/4 inches and the longest one is 21 3/4 inches.

According to firemountaingems.com, "The Sumerians believed that the spirit of their gods lived within the stone, while the ancient Egyptians saw it as a symbol of the night sky. Since the earliest of times, lapis lazuli meaning has been associated with royalty, strength and courage, wisdom and intellect, friendship and truth.

From antiquity, lapis lazuli has been worn in the belief that it will ward off evil. In ancient Egypt, it was powdered and worn about the eyes to improve eyesight."

"Natural mother-of-pearl shell is said to have tremendous spiritual value for those whose high goals and attitudes keep them feeling stressed. Mother-of-pearl shell is commonly believed to attract prosperity, and mother-of-pearl shell meaning is often associated with mystical work and lore to heighten intuition, psychic sensitivity and imagination. It is believed that mother-of-pearl shell meaning is linked to soothing, motherly protection from negative energy and love. Due to this, mother-of-pearl shell is a recommended crystal healing gemstone for children.

Mother-of-pearl shell turns on the solar plexus chakra as well as the throat chakra."

"The deep, glossy red color of garnet resembles the juicy seeds of a pomegranate, which is perhaps why its name is derived from the Latin word granatum (meaning “pomegranate seed”). In Greek mythology, a pomegranate was often given as a gift of passion and associated with eternal love.

Garnet symbolizes a quick return to a separated love, fertility and feminine life force.

Legend states that Hades gifted a pomegranate to Persephone before she left his domain to ensure a speedy and safe return. When she did return, the fruit transformed into a handful of the red gemstones.

A garnet stone is often gifted to a loved one before they embark on travel. One of the most commonly believed garnet properties is that the stones aid in the healing of broken bonds of love. Garnets are also known to aid in the treatment of melancholy and depression by acting as a heart and blood stimulant.

Garnet is thought to be extremely beneficial in the realm of business. The stone can attract people to the wearer, which can help provide personal and business success. It is especially beneficial to people wanting to start home businesses."

Celebrate 250! is the perfect necklace to add to your collection!