A gem called Hope

     As an artists we find inspiration in many different forms. Once in a while we get lucky enough to be a part of something incredibly special, that not only touches someone else, but also brings great reward to us. I have been blessed by this kind of inspiration in my work only a handful of times, but I remember each time incredibly clearly. It makes me feel so honored to be a part of these moments because of the love it brought to my life. I was lucky enough to be blessed with one of these event just recently and I wish to share the story with you, in hopes that it inspires you as well.

     I was getting ready to do some work in my studio which is a normal every day/week occurrence. I opened a box of gems waiting to be wrapped and there was one that had sat for about a year and for some reason I felt this energy in it that it was time to get it out and give it a dressing. I new almost instantly how I wanted to wrap it. Not completely unusual, but somehow it was just the right itime I guessed.
   
      But then the most incredible thing happened, a very long time friend who doesn't were jewelry very often, commented on how drawn she was to it, and I felt this intense power of, I don't know what, say to me, she was the one I was making it for all along. Now let me tell you a little about this amazing woman. She and her fantastic husband have had some very difficult times over the past eight years with  all manner of trials. They have seen more than their fair share of hard times, but through it all they have remained each others rock and have continually tried to see the bright side, They help others when they themselves had very little. They are an amazing couple and my friend is an inspiration to me and many others. So when I felt this crazy power, I was inspired to not only to send this gem to her because it was meant to be, I also was inspired to do something I have never done before, I named the stone and wrote the story of how it too became a source of light in the dark.  

       This story is why I am an artist. I am so honored to be blessed with art in my life, because moments like this make my heart so full and happy. It amazes me how my work can touch someone so deeply in a positive way. I am so lucky to have this ability and I am so grateful for it.
                

 So without further ado, let me introduce to you a little gem named Hope.
   

     On a cool day in the Spring I was mined from my birthplace on a high mountain top in New Hampshire. I was taken to my new home on Cape Cod, where I was tumbled and polished for six weeks.
      I then rested quietly in a treasure box, until one happy cool spring day, I was all dressed up and wrapped in silver and gold. I was filled with joy.
       I was named for she, who was also carved and shaped through turbulence and tumbling over time. I, like her, have become wonderful and beautiful because of this turbulence. I am full of Hope, not in spite of the turbulence, but because of it. My souls is a bright light in the dark for all who are blessed to know me.
       I hope to bring some light and joy into the dark times, and to be a reminder to her of her own light and beauty. 
​                                                                        I am Hope.

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Suzanne Chambliss wearing Hope.

This is my wonderful friend Suzanne Chambliss and she was the inspiration for this story, pendant and for many other things as well. She is a light in a dark place and a joy to all who are lucky enough to know her. Thank you Sue for just being you and allowing me to be a part of something so wonderful. Love you,
​Dawn