downward spiral

Have you ever heard, "Necessity is the mother of invention?" Well I needed some festive earrings that weren't snowmen or Christmas trees or santas or anything else that could only be worn for a month out of the year. After playing with some vivid red wire and adding Swarovski bling, these were my little invention:

They're almost 3" long and nearly brush my shoulders. They're so light and swingy and definitely festive! They also multiplied like rabbits. Somehow one pair turned into five, with more on the way. I'm now overrun with spirals! Here's the whole collection so far:

From left to right - pale pink with gray pearls, Sterling silver with real amethyst gems, dark blue with sodalite, the original red with Swarovski crystals, and black, also with Swarovski crystals. Get them here.

Speaking of amethyst, did you know that amethyst has been "...thought to control evil thoughts, quicken intelligence, make a shrewd man in business, preserve soldiers from battle wounds, aid the warrior to victory, help the hunter in search of his game, protect the wearer from contagious diseases, and put demons to flight if the figure of a bear is inscribed on the jewel. Amethyst was known as a gem that would bring forth the highest, purest aspirations of human kind. " credit: JewelsForMe

Sodalite, the marbled blue and white stone that accents the blue spiral earrings, also has some positive attributes associated with it. From TrinityLondon: Sodalite is "...believed by some to instill confidence and courage. It is also thought to be a soothing stone which can increase sensitivity to others."

Who knew that stones could have such positive attributes, and, some even believe, actual poweres? Whether they increase intelligence or confidence, semiprecious gems certainly are beautiful.