Pema Raka Carnelian and Serpentine Necklace

A long necklace of Tibetan Pema Raka carnelian beads, Neolithic serpentine disks, and my silver charms and granulated beads in silver and gold.

The vibrant orange beads on this necklace are a special kind of carnelian called Pema Raka, meaning “blood/red Lotus”, and they are treasured as healing beads in Tibet. Ancient ones of this quality are rare, and are loved for their beautiful bright colour and their spiritual power. They are believed to absorb illness, especially that which is caused by malevolent spirits or entities, and they have an energy which is both protective and fortifying.

Pema Raka also relate to the heart through its role in circulating the blood, and so I have combined them with my granulated beads in a silver heart pattern, holding golden drops that represent the precious wisdom of the flowering of the heart energy.

The green disks are Serpentine, carved as much as 8,000 years ago during the Neolithic era, when green stone objects became highly valued. Their deep green colour reflects a new aesthetic during the Neolithic revolution as talismanic representations of the green growth and fertility that our ancient ancestors were learning to harness through agriculture.

I’ve also accented this necklace with my textured silver ring charms. These charms add movement and interest, and also make a soft, ringing sound when their wearer moves. The word “charm” comes from the Latin root word for a song or verse, and also denotes enchantment or magical action through sound. In many ancient cultures, little bells and noisemakers are said to both ward off evil and draw in positive energies and entities such as faeries, “charming” them with the same pleasing sounds their music is said to make.