The History of Healing Gems
Self-adornment, considered an early manifestation of symbolic thinking, is now thought to have even pre-dated modern humans in Europe, and to have been one of the earliest ways that people conveyed their status and their cultural identity.
Archaelogists believe that the earliest examples of status-defining jewelry were shell necklaces made between 75,000 and 100,000 years ago, and recently found in what is now Israel and Algeria.
"Windows to the Soul"
While we tend to think of beads merely as adornment, history teaches us that almost every culture, including our own, has used beads in a way that communicates the religious, political and social beliefs of the wearer.
Different reasons have been given for the universal appeal of beads: round beads resemble the eyes, "portals to the soul," and the wide variety of materials used to make beads appeals to our tactile sense of touch. However, it is commonly acknowledged that the earliest healing beads were worn as talismans, to ward off "the evil eye."
Mind, Body, Spirit
The earliest records tell us that, because of the inherent power gemstones were thought to hold, only priests and royalty were permitted to wear them. The wearing of gem crystals, or even having them in close proximity, was believed to boost the wearer's energy, heal the mind, body and spirit, and attract abundance, prosperity and even love.
Contemporary Talismans
Although the markets today are cluttered with jewelry of all makes and quality, few, if any artisans are consciously drawing on the powerful properties of gems, and the historically significant properties of beads, in the jewelry they are producing.
At www.marcyeinhorndesigns.com, it is our intention to marry the beauty and cultural significance of beads to the healing properties of gems to design contemporary talismans, fit for a queen.