Realm of the Mystic Griffin
Discover the magic within! metaphysical art, shopping, articles
Mystic Griffin Jewelry Handmade jewelry selections are now featured in their own Etsy.com store where visitors can browse a large selection not shown on this site. Browse all of our Etsy items here
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Laser Carved Natural Pendant Necklaces, in bone & horn. Shop below on this page.
MYSTIC ATLANTIS INSPIRED
With a dress, blue jeans, a Punk or Gothic outfit; Many one of a kind items, some with genuine ancient beads!
Long ago on the Isle of Crete once lived a wondrous people with great artistic skills -- the Minoans. Minoa is famous for the bare breasted snake wielding Goddess and images of leaping bull dancers. A civilization built upon fire and water, the Minoans expressed themselves in passionate beauty with fluid lines. Many fine examples of design survive in museum collections around the world, allowing the artist of today to draw upon ancient inspiration.
The selection of jewelry here -- earrings, necklaces, bracelets, medicine bags, gem stone and hand painted pendants -- are all intended to reflect both ancient Crete and the mythical Atlantis. The Atlanteans were thought, by many, to have had similar styles, designs and motifs as the Minoans. The ocean played a vital role to both societies as well. The sea was often expressed in art with the spiral and the presence of sea life in all manner of design. The Mystic Atlantis Primitive Jewelry Collection pretends that it is from this distant time with hand beaded and wire wrapped creations for today.
In my mind I've created a little story of sorts. I imagine a sun beaten sailor in ancient days spending fleeting moments of spare time assembling bits of treasure gathered or traded, into trinkets for further barter. I try to keep the materials I use in my own jewelry in contact with that hand made look by using blown glass, beaten metals, and in some cases actual ancient or antique beads. Because art literally is my life, jewelry making is my one true hobby; an act of fun that involves creation, but also the thrill of the hunt. I very seldom make two pieces the same, so I'm always on the hunt for new exciting ways to make wearable jewelry art. I often craft using primitive hand methods; no power tools, so if something is sanded you can bet that it took hours of hand working! I have a few rules, or semi-fun restrictions, for myself with the Mystic Atlantis Primitive Jewelry project...
- NO PLASTIC! We don't often use the "P" word around Mystic Griffin in the first place -- only when we have to -- I personally prefer genuine natural materials with an authentic feel. Monofilament of various sizes or plastic coated wires are often used for stringing due to durability though.
- Use the highest quality materials I can but keep it kinda casual or ... well, primitive.
- Choose materials that, when combined, create pieces that might remind one of Atlantis or the style of the ancient Minoans on Crete, (LOVE those frescos!). I keep these words in mind when I'm looking for componants and beads to string ... ocean, fire, magic, mystery, island, relic, and of course Atlantis and the Minoans.
- Have a plan but keep open to Guidence always.
- The final piece has to look hand done -- primitive with a touch of tribal -- and perhaps as if it's a treasure recovered from the lost depths of the sea or earthquake rubble. I saw and fell in love with the look of ancient recovered jewelry, but I'm not digging any holes in the backyard, so don't worry -- the jewelry is clean!
- HAVE FUN!
I hope you'll find some things to groove on & enjoy.
About Materials
* It is the practice of this site to disclose all enhancements to gem stones, and methods used if known, as required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Gems stones deemed as genuine will be natural, unenhanced stones or otherwise clearly stated. I don't claim to be an expert gemologist, but I do research products and items to present them with the highest honesty and integrity.
* SEMI-PRECIOUS BEADS: Most beads used are Grade B through AAA. Grading values vary with the type of gem; for example a Grade B rose quartz could be a lovely stone product, but a Grade B ruby would be better used in astrology or metaphysics rather than jewelry, per say. Grade A gems are untreated, have best quality lustre, very fine clarity, very good color, and are generally very costly. The transparency level and color of B Grade gemstones is generally good but not as good as Grade A. Though they are less costly than Grade A, a Grade B gemstone bead can be just as lovely. Lower graded stones are are reserved for specimen collection, for astrological use, metaphysical or spell use, and rarely used in jewelry items unless there are interesting artful inclusions, (so called flaws).
*About Czech Glass: Many of the jewelry pieces I create use premium quality glass beads from the Czech Republic. They are made in small quantities by hand. Glass beads have been produced around the world for over 9,000 years, and the Bohemian glass heritage goes as far back as the 14th century. The jewel like glass beads from the Czech Republic, previously known as Bohemia, are famous for their clarity and richness of color. Praised by jewelry designers for their versatility, high quality and tremendous variety in colors, sizes, shapes, and finishes. I often work to find vintage or antique lots of Czech Glass beads to use in my own jewelry.
Always clean earrings and body jewelry before wearing, even if items are brand new. Clean with rubbing alcohol before inserting into piercing. Do not use alcohol or other solvent based cleaners on painted finishes. *Spray hairspray and perfume or body spray BEFORE putting on your jewelry to avoid damage or build up. Warm water and gentle soap will clean most items. Anti-tarnish strips are available at $.45 (cents) each including shipping from email jtpruittarts@aol.com & place the following in the subject line, "Anti-tarnish Strip Order. Bone, fur, feathers, plant material and the like can attract the attention of pets and small children. Keep natural materials out of reach of pets to avoid damage or injury. If fur or leather items are in need of cleaning seek a quality dry cleaner. I make no claims to an items safety, legality in buyers state, magical or healing ability and buyer uses/wears items at own risk. With good general sense your jewelry items should last for many years to come.
*About Use of Animal Based Products Bones, Hooves, Antler, & Fur
When we wear or make items of the parts of animals who have died, we honor their energy by putting it to good use and acknowledging the sacrifice made. A small amount of energy remains always within hide, bone, antler, & such. It’s not a personal energy, per say, rather an archetypal force. You wouldn’t have a claw, say, from "George the wolf", but would hold the energy pattern of the attributes of all wolves. So that is why we include such items within our magickal tools. It’s a lovingly added resource, not just decoration. We utilize them with honor, love, and respect.
Animal based products are obtained from a variety of methods. Many of our resources come from reclaimed, vintage clothing. Some animals may have passed from natural causes, such as age or predation, allowing us to collect and prepare the remains for use. We also order some items from government sanctioned culling programs where proceeds benefit overall wildlife health. We do not harm animals in order to create any object we offer for sale. Some animal products may not be legal to own in your state, though we try to use those that are legal in most. International restrictions may also apply, so if in doubt check it out in your local area.
Durable Laser Carved Natural Pendant Necklaces
Natural bone and horn spiritual totem animal symbols to wear on included adjustable cord necklace or add to your own jewelry craft supplies. Click for details.
