The African beads in this necklace were made using the lost wax method.  After they were cast, the clay mold for each bead had to be broken to release it.

I get the impression that these beads are usually strung -- I am a wire-wrapper, not a stringer, so it took me awhile to figure out how to use them, and even longer to to understand how to work with such powerful and beautiful components.  

- All metal components are brass

- Aragonite beads are chips

- Faceted non-magnetic hematite spacer beads

Aragonite provides stress relief, and offers insight into the source of the stress. It is also a healer.

Hematite is prized for its grounding and calming properties, and good for giving your self-confidence a boost.  It is also a healer, particularly with regard to issues surrounding circulation.