Turtle Island is a 3 strand necklace celebrating both land and sea. I used 2mm Green Aventurine beads, 5mm Green Turquoise round beads and both 4 and 6mm Lapis Lazuli round beads. The Sterling Silver turtle charm is the inspiration for this necklace. I also used Delica Glass spacer beads and a silver filled brass slide and lock clasp to finish Turtle Island. The short strand is 17 3/4" long and the longest one is 20 3/4 inches long without the turtle charm which is 1 inch long and 3/4 inch wide. It is stamped on the back with the initials AJM, 925 Sterling.

There is so much lore about turtles. I have a strong attraction to them as "Turtle" was my nickname for a while in grade school because I was not fast at much of anything, but I always got to the end eventually!

Both Lapis and Turquoise are stones that enhance communication skills. It's said the the "Wisdom of the Ancient Ones" comes to those who wear Turquoise. It happens to be December's birthstone, but we certainly should all enjoy wearing Turquoise. Lapis is said to help us "Speak Our Truth" as it's a stone in the cobalt blue color family that aligns with our throat centers.

As per energymuse.com, "Are you having trouble recognizing or listening to what your body needs to feel your best? Is taking care of yourself falling to the bottom of your to-do list? Have you been putting off important appointments or action items related to your well-being? If you need a little help bringing your health and wellness to the forefront, call on your master healer: Turquoise crystal.

If Turquoise has found its way into your life, it’s a sign that you’re in need of its healing powers. The Turquoise meaning is connected to the healing energy of water, the life-giving element that sustains the planet and the origins of life itself. This energy of renewal and rejuvenation is what gives the Turquoise crystal meaning its unique ability to support healing intentions and overall well-being.

The water-like qualities of the Turquoise stone also guide you to a state of calm and tranquility, which can aid in stress-relief and the elimination of negative energies. In this way, you can also use the Turquoise healing properties for energetic protection and shielding. One of the best ways to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of tranquility and calm are by incorporating the Turquoise meaning into your daily meditation. Meditating with it can help you enter a peaceful state of relaxation when you dreamily float down its proverbial river of tranquility."

crystalvaults.com says, "Green Aventurine is known as the "Stone of Opportunity," thought to be the luckiest of all crystals, especially in manifesting prosperity and wealth, or for increasing favor in competitions or games of chance. Its winning energy makes it a great ally for boosting one’s chances in any situation – a first date, tax audit, even landing a promotion. One needs only to be near it to derive its benefits.

This beautiful stone, however, is not merely an attractor of luck, but one that aligns conditions so "opportunity" is inevitable. Green Aventurine releases old patterns, habits, and disappointments so new growth can take place.

It brings optimism and a zest for life, allowing one to move forward with confidence and to embrace change. It enhances one’s creativity and motivation and encourages perseverance in maneuvering life’s obstacles. It also reinforces one’s decisiveness and amplifies leadership qualities, injecting a sense of humor and openness to the ideas of others."

According to charmsoflight.com, "A stone of protection that may be worn to guard against psychic attacks, Lapis Lazuli quickly releases stress, bringing deep peace. It brings harmony and deep inner self-knowledge. Encourages self-awareness, allows self-expression and reveals inner truth, providing qualities of honesty, compassion and morality to the personality. Stimulates objectivity, clarity and encourages creativity. Lapis Lazuli assists to confront and speak one’s truth and inspires confidence. It bonds relationships, aiding in expression of feelings and emotions.

Lapis Lazuli boosts the immune system, purifies blood, lowers blood pressure, cooling and soothing areas of inflammation. It alleviates insomnia and vertigo, and overcomes depression. Lapis Lazuli benefits the respiratory and nervous systems and the throat, vocal cords, and thyroid, cleanses organs, bone marrow and thymus."

There are wonderful stories about Turtle Island. As per Wikipedia, "Turtle Island is a name for Earth[1] or North America, used by some Indigenous peoples, as well as by some Indigenous rights activists. The name is based on a creation story common to several Indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands of North America.[2] "

innerhunches.com says, "In Native American culture, the turtle holds significant symbolism. It is often associated with creation, longevity, and wisdom. The turtle is seen as a symbol of the Earth and represents stability and grounding. Native American tribes believe that the turtle carries the weight of the world on its back, symbolizing the importance of nurturing and protecting the Earth.

Turtle is often associated with qualities such as wisdom, patience, and longevity. Just like the turtle’s slow and steady pace, individuals with a turtle spirit animal are known for their calm and deliberate approach to life. They possess a deep sense of inner peace and are able to navigate through challenges with grace and resilience.

The turtle’s hard shell is symbolic of protection, and those who resonate with the turtle spirit animal often have a strong sense of self-defense. They are able to set boundaries and protect themselves from negative influences or energies. Additionally, the turtle’s ability to retreat into its shell represents the importance of self-care and the need to take time for oneself."

This necklace is truly one of a kind!