Description
A long strand of matte obsidian beads, punctuated with tiger’s eye and haematite discs, ending in a polished haematite cross. It is a rosary, that is to say an object counted with the fingertips, not a necklace with a cross.
The difference between a rosary and a necklace with a pendant is not a matter of vocabulary. A rosary has a structure: groups of beads separated by markers, so that you know where you are without looking. Here the tiger’s eye beads are the markers, brown in the middle of the black, and the haematite discs close the groups. The catalogue also sells a cross as a pendant on a chain: they are two unrelated objects. Both are here.
The obsidian beads are matte and not polished, and that is deliberate. A sandblasted surface catches the finger slightly, which is exactly what you ask of an object you run through your hands: a polished bead slips and you lose count. The blasting removes a few hundredths of a millimetre and completely changes the feel. It is the only piece in the catalogue where the matte finish is functional rather than aesthetic.
Two reservations. Matte obsidian holds the grease from fingers, and that is unavoidable on an object made to be handled: it will take on a shiny look in places after a few months, which lukewarm water and a mild soap put right. And haematite spots with rust if it stays damp for several days, which goes for the cross as much as for the discs.
Crystal lore ties obsidian to grounding. The cross, for its part, belongs to religious practice and not to crystal lore, and it is not for a jeweller to interpret it. None of the above is proven, and no piece of jewellery heals anything. I have gathered separately what tradition attributes to obsidian, in the conditional.
- Genuine matte obsidian, tiger’s eye markers and haematite discs.
- Polished haematite cross, hanging at the end of the strand.
- Beads sandblasted and not polished: they catch the finger, so you do not lose count.
- Hand-strung in France on coated steel cable.
What to know before you wear it
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The specifications
- Stones
- Matte black obsidian, brown tiger’s eye, haematite
- Bead diameter
- 6 and 8 mm
- Cross
- Polished haematite
- Length
- About 60 cm / 24 in, no clasp
- Stringing
- Coated steel cable
- Gender
- Unisex
- Brand
- Bijoux Obsidienne
A rosary is counted, it is not decorated
On a rosary, the mistake that is not forgiven is the count. The groups must have exactly the same number of beads from one end to the other, and one bead too many in a group does not show to the eye but is felt by the finger on the second use. So I count aloud while threading, which looks ridiculous and avoids the one flaw the buyer will find for certain. A decorative necklace forgives an irregularity; an object you count does not.
This piece is in the catalogue because people asked me for an obsidian cross and the existing necklace, a carved cross on a steel chain, did not answer those who wanted a rosary. They are two objects, two uses, and both were needed. The other necklaces are here.
I count aloud while threading. It looks ridiculous, and it is the one flaw the buyer would find for certain.
Obsidian does not mind water, but haematite spots with rust if it stays damp for several days, and matte obsidian holds the grease from fingers. A pass under lukewarm water with a mild soap two or three times a year is enough. Never an ultrasonic bath. Cleaning an obsidian piece covers the rest.
