Joie de Vivre jewelry

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c a r p e   d i e m 

The latin expression carpe diem is extracted from a larger ode from the Roman poet Horace which reads: carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero, translated as "seize the day, put very little trust in the future". The phrase was used to great effect in the 1989 movie "Dead Poets Society" as a battle cry to make one's life extraordinary. The pewter link in this necklace holds the analogy tiger:strawberry::life:death based on the Zen story of a man that enjoys a delicious strawberry while being pursued by tigers, just as life is sweetness in the face of certain death. Sieze the day - appreciate the moment - because while the future is uncertain, our end is not. Both the bayong and kamagong wood beads are hardwoods from tropical regions in southeast Asia (Phillipines, Malaysia, Indonesia). Both kinds of trees are considered "vulnerable" due to threatened habitat and government export regulations are in place.

Cost: $41.00 USD

m a k e   i t   a   g i f t   s h i p m e n t :

Looking to ship this item separately as a gift? Gift shipment includes gift boxing and an occasion specific card sent to the recipient via USPS Priority Mail. Fill out the fields below including this jewelry item name, the recipient name and address, and occasion and this item will be sent to the recipient with a card and note. See the gift box section for samples of shipments with different occasion specific cards.

Cost of gift shipment (domestic shipping only): $5.95 USD

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c a t e g o r i e s :

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M a t e r i a l s  &  C a r e 

Length: necklace - 20"

Materials:

  • bayong wood beads
  • kamagong wood beads
  • rose quartz beads
  • pewter link [tin-based alloy]
  • sterling silver beads and toggle clasp
  • Soft Flex 0.019" moderate duty nylon coated stainless steel cord

Care & cleaning: Beading cord may be kinked or broken through hard jerks or severed through prolonged exposure to rough or sharp edges; store necklace flat when not in use to prevent stretching or kinking cord. Clean with warm soapy water and avoid chemical or abrasive cleaners. Use a soft jewelry polishing cloth to clean tarnish appearing on silver.

The Soft Flex beading cord has strength to withstand sharp tugs and the beads are quite hard, though the finish may become scratched with wear. As with all beaded jewelry: do not let young toddlers chew on it.

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W h a t  t o  W e a r 

Not all jewelry - particularly beaded jewelry - work well with all varieties of necklines. The 20" necklace length means the necklace will lay flat and look balanced with crew necks, boat necks, turtle necks and shallow scoop necks. It might look awkward with V-necks, but it is long enough that it could be paired over a collared shirt, if the top button was around the breastbone or so. It is a longer necklace, but the materials are lightweight so it is easy on the neck.