This eclectic necklace features a sparkly pink lampwork glass anatomical heart focal, along with an assortment of lampwork glass beads by multiple artists, sterling silver, and Czech glass beads spelling out "ANAM CARA". A little more than half of this piece is beaded, with sturdy but petite stainless steel chain in the back.
The anatomical heart was handmade by WBNU Glass. The snowdrops and chamomile flowers were made by Ukrainian artists Oliverstar. The rainbow rondelles are from Glass by Melissa in Canada.
The story behind this necklace is included at the bottom of this listing.
The Energy
Like everything I make, this piece is made with love and infused with Reiki. It would even make a lovely set of unconventional prayer beads.
Length
The approximate length of this hand-beaded necklace is 18.5".
Findings
The crimp beads and spacers are sterling silver. All other metal components are hypoallergenic, high quality stainless steel.
Stringing Material
Everything is strung on sturdy, flexible, nylon-coated 49-strand stainless steel beading wire.
Important Info
Please be sure to read my policies page before ordering. You are agreeing to these policies by placing an order.
The Story
I am devoted to the Irish goddess Brighid. I am of the belief that St Brigid (also Bridget) of Ireland was both a real human and that she held an aspect of the goddess within her.
I was inspired to create this piece for Brighid on Imbolc. "Anam cara" is an Irish phrase which translates to "soul friend." It has similar vibes to the Greek word agape — a bond of deep, unconditional, spiritual love.
St Brigid of Kildare was an abbess. Legend has it that she asked the king of Leinster for as much land as her cloak would cover, then had four of her followers each take a corner and walk in opposite directions, which ended up covering a large area of land. This was considered one of her earliest miracles. (She was also a fan of miracles that revolved around beer.)
She had an anam cara in a younger nun, Darlughdach. They loved each other and did everything together, including sharing a bed. When Brigid knew that she was approaching the end of her life, Darlughdach couldn't bear the thought of being without Brigid, and she proclaimed that she wanted to go with her.
Brigid told Darlughdach that she needed her to remain behind for at least a year, and keep the abbey running. Her love made and kept that promise precisely — they each passed away on February 1st, one year apart. As they shared everything in life, Darlughdach also shares Brighid's feast day. Really, this piece is for both of them.
I end up sobbing every time I think of this story — I typed it through tears — because it reminds me so much of me and my partner, and I have so much empathy for how hard it must have been for Darlughdach to have had to stay behind.
