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Alchemical Jewelry

Pentigram Because the oldest alchemical texts from pre-Christian Egypt and Greece contain formulas for working with (and creating imitations of) silver, gold, and precious stones, historians believe that the practice of alchemy grew out of mysticism associated with the craft of metalurgy. As we can see by their choice of materials, these early alchemists were also involved in the production of jewelry. To the alchemists, silver was the embodiment of the feminine power of the moon and gold was one with the masculine power of the sun. By wearing symbols composed of these metals, we ally ourselves with these powers and make use of them to enhance our health and well being.

	Moon Pendant This feminine crescent is sculpted in the round. It is approximately 1" high and can be ordered in sterling or white gold. Sterling: $50
	Hermetic Pentagram This design is derived from one created in Moorish Spain in the Middle Ages. It combines the magical five pointed star with a five petaled flower. Together, they become the visual equivalent of the Hermetic axiom, "as above, so below." It is approximately 1" high and can be ordered in sterling or white gold. Sterling: $40
	Egyptian Bird In myths, birds often appear as messengers from the gods. This bird is derived from the Egyptian symbol for the soul, the god-like aspect found in each of us. It is approximately 1" high and sculpted in the round. Sterling: $40
	Ouroboros Earrings The ouroboros, or tail devouring serpent, is an ancient symbol of time and regeneration. In alchemy it takes two forms the winged and crowed, volatile serpent and the unwinged, fixed serpent. together they form active and passive polarities similar to the Chinese yin and yang symbol. They are approximately 1" high and can be ordered as a pair of earrings or as individual pendants Sterling pendant: $40; Sterling earrings: $80;

jewelry designs copyright R. M. Place

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