Hematite & Optic Bead Contemporary Beaded Stretch Bracelet.

This dazzling Hematite stretch bracelet features Hematite arch beads strung in an alternating pattern with iridescent optic beads. The polished steely black Hematite beads shine with scintillating flare. They contrast nicely with the pearly sky blue fiber optic beads. This stretch bracelet expands easily to get around the wrist without claps or hooks and can fit a range of sizes from 6 to 7-1/2. You can't go wrong with this fine piece of hematite jewelry.

After its discovery, Hematite was part of the goods sent from Alaskan colonies to Russia and was first carved into beads in the early 1800's. The beads were opened in a dimly lit room and as firelight reflected against the highly polished surfaces of the Hematite, someone commented that "...they shine like black diamonds". This is how the phrases black diamond and Alaskan diamond became associated with Hematite. The beauty of the Hematite was such that it was given to the royalty of Russia as gifts in the form of jewelry and carvings. Soon it gained favor in Europe, and subsequently throughout the New World. Since its discovery, Hematite has grown in popularity and its use in jewelry has become widespread. Because Hematite is an antiferromagnetic material (a type of magnetism with unique properties unlike those of normal magnetic materials), it is believed to enhance memory and brain functions, stimulate the circulatory system and help in the treatment of blood and kidney disorders.