Santa Fe Autumn is a 3 strand necklace with Apatite "coins", Brown Opal rounds and 2 shapes and sizes of Turquoise. It's finished with Delica Glass spacer beads and a Silver Filled round toggle clasp. The short round Turquois strand is 16 3/4 inches and the longest one is 19 1/4 inches. It's southwestern influence makes it feel like a western style, but anyone can wear this necklace!

According to firemountaingems.com, "Apatite properties are closely tied to personal growth and mental clarity. Aligned with the zodiac sign Gemini, this gemstone is believed to curb appetite (hunger) while enhancing insight, creativity and learning. Apatite properties are also thought to include sharpening focus and concentration, supporting intellect and encouraging acceptance and unconditional love—both for oneself and from others."

"The name "opal" comes from the Sanskrit word upala (meaning “precious stone”). In Indian mythology, the virgin Goddess of the Rainbow was turned into an opal by the Mother Goddess because she was being chased by suitors Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Ancient Greeks thought the stone could give people the gift of prophecy and protected them from disease. During Roman times, the Latin word opalus came into use.

Opal is now associated with the birthstone of October (along with pink tourmaline) and as the gemstone of the 14th marriage anniversary. While some people believe it is unlucky for people not born in October to wear opal, the gemstone has actually long been valued as a stone of luck and magic. Opal is also an alternative birthstone for April babies.

It is said that precious opal meaning—with its display of fire—sparks creativity, and that the "dance" of its colors can help people enjoy their lives. The light-colored gemstones have long been associated with helping people become less visible to others and also in improving eyesight. The gemstone has been associated with the sacral chakra , imbalances of which can cause problems with addictions. Another common precious opal meaning is that it can help moderate and harmonize sexual desires. European cultures have long believed opal is a symbol of hope, purity and truth."

"Turquoise, a stone ranging in color from blue to green to yellow, is filled with wonderful patterns of brown and black matrix that are composed mainly of copper deposits. Although turquoise has captivated man's imagination for centuries, no one is sure exactly when it was discovered. It is believed that prehistoric people used and prized it for its blue-green colors, because carved pieces have been found in burial and archeological sites spanning the globe.

The beauty and history of turquoise is hard to match! Steeped in history and intrigue, it is truly a captivating stone. It has been used in religion, art, trade, treaty negotiations and of course as treasured jewelry to many kingdoms and peoples. Whether you study ancient Egyptians, Chinese Dynasties, Aztec Mythology or Native American people, it seems clear that turquoise has always been and always will be considered a stone of life, beauty and good fortune.

Turquoise is one of the official birthstones for the month of December and is heralded as the stone of communication. It is thought to encourage enthusiasm, thus inspiring new projects and bringing to light undiscovered artistic abilities. Turquoise is also believed to provide understanding and encourage attention to detail while attracting prosperity and success.

The sprawling lines of coppery matrix provide a large amount of energy to its wearer. This may be one reason why the stone has long been prized as a powerful talisman with healing properties ."

Let the colors of Autumn in the High Desert and the clear blue sky give you a sense of peace, wonder and happiness!