I received the beautiful picture of Red Maples from Jerry who publishes the regional arts and culture magazine, The Laurel of Asheville in NC. It inspired me to create "Fall Maples", a 3 strand necklace of Cultured "Red" Pearls, Picture Jasper and Smoky Quartz. I used Delica Glass spacer beads and a Sterling Silver toggle clasp to finish this necklace. I'm easily inspired by the celebration of all things Fall!

charmsoflight.com says, "Pearl signifies faith, charity and innocence. It enhances personal integrity and helps to provide a focus to ones attention. Pearl symbolizes purity and is known as a “stone of sincerity”. It brings truth to situations and loyalty to a “cause”. Inhibits boisterous behavior.

Pearl treats digestive disorders and the soft organs of the body. It relieves conditions of bloating and biliousness. Pearl increases fertility and eases childbirth."

"In addition to the generic healing properties of Quartz, Smokey Quartz is an excellent grounding stone. It gently neutralizes negative vibrations and is detoxifying on all levels, prompting elimination of the digestive system and protecting against radiation and electromagnetic smog. Smokey Quartz disperses fear, lifts depression and negativity. It brings emotional calmness, relieving stress and anxiety. Promotes positive thoughts and action, and alleviates suicidal tendencies. Dispels nightmares and manifests your dreams. Smokey Quartz aids concentration and assists in communication difficulties.

Smokey Quartz dissolves cramps, strengthens the back and fortifies the nerves. It is particularly effective for abdomen, hips and legs. Relieves headaches, back pain, eases muscular spasms. Smokey Quartz benefits the reproductive system, the heart, muscles and nerve tissue. It regulates liquids within the body and aids assimilation of minerals."

According to firemountaingems.com, "Picture jasper is a landscape stone that's believed to help us find our place in the world. When we've stepped off the path or gone down a path we never intended, Picture Jasper is thought to give the time and space alone to sort through things. This stone is also thought to aid inner silence and strengthen the recall of early memories, so they can be understood and processed. Among practitioners of gemstone healing, Picture Jasper is a powerful grounding stone that promotes connection to the earth.

Some view this stone as a direct message from the Earth itself, instilling a sense of proportion, bringing comfort, alleviating fear and cultivating harmony. Although it is not an official birthstone, Picture Jasper is affiliated with the astrological sign Leo."

I'm so impressed with the way these gemstones healing properties work together, and as I created Fall Maples, I wasn't considering these benefits at all! I was just "painting" a portrait of the Red Maples with gemstones!! You can enjoy the beauty of Red Maples in the fall all year with this necklace.