Hematite & Silver Toned Seed Bead Contemporary Fashion Necklace.

This Hematite Bead Necklace is a stunning work of hand strung jewelry. The polished Hematite beads are strung in a fascinating arrangement and give this necklace a unique and contemporary character. The variously shaped Hematite beads complement each other nicely and silver toned seed beads add an elegant white shimmer. This remarkable necklace is perfect for stacking with other jewelry. It clasps with a lobster hook and eye for easy wear. This fine piece of beaded Hematite jewelry is about 20-1/2" in length.

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.