Rainforest Jasper cut by Michael HendrixRainforest Bracelet
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This wide bracelet has three stones set in sterling mounted on tilapia skin, with edges of deep green and purple suede. The inside is lined with smooth black leather. The leather is stretched over a thin insert of bronze which keeps its shape once it is adjusted to fit. A band of lazy stitch edges the golden brown fish scales, flowers and edge beading wrap around the outside.
The bracelet displays a cool optical illusion in the photo (though it is not as pronounced in person): the center stone appears to be transparent with the scales of the tilapia skin showing through it. The effect is enhanced by the partially transparent core of the stone. Actually the pattern and colors in the stone match the scales, and this gives rise to the effect seen in the photo.
Rainforest Jasper is actually Australian Rhyolite according to Zenz who includes it in Agates II and Agates III. The essay in Agates II is more specific, calling it "an altered volcanic rock [rhyolite] with numerous inclusions of small agates" and points out that it reflects very clearly the geological history of the agate formation. The numerous inclusions of small agates in a unified whole perhaps inspired Ahsian to regard Rainforest Jasper as a stone which connects one to the sacred web of life. Every individual is unique, yet each is necessary to maintain the integrity of the whole. The fragility of the web of life is often mentioned in my essays as you may have noticed.
The Bloodstone (Heliotrope) (third image down) is a little immigrant that wandered into my collection without proper papers. Rather than cast it back across the border, I welcomed it as its colors seemed perfect for this bracelet. If you are the cutter please let me know so I can credit you. There is a discussion here of the strange business of the names "Bloodstone" and "Heliotrope," of the relation to Pliny's remarks and invisibility. Please return to this page after your detour!
The matte Jasper rock (fourth image down) was cut by Gary Wilson. Most people would have tossed it but he sensed something special in it. And most people buying his amazing and colorful stones would pass over it. It's just a little brown rock with a bit of a light streak. So of course I fell in love with it and have kept it for myself for years. But it wanted to be in this bracelet with its more colorful cousins, so I'm offering it to you. Please order the bracelet today to see how lovable this little stone is.
