Barbara Bixby “Leap Of Faith” Sterling & 18K Gold Amethyst Lemon Quartz MOP Gemstone Grasshopper Enhancer 2.75”

The dimensional grasshopper motif has a fancy-cut checkerboard faceted green mother-of-pearl and lemon quartz doublet body, a carved oval amethyst cabochon head, a satin-finished 18K yellow gold bead tail, and a signature flower at the neck. Beaded and zigzag details complete the darling design. From Barbara Bixby. Sterling silver, 18K yellow gold Gemstone weight is not given Fancy-cut checkerboard faceted green mother-of-pearl and lemon quartz doublet body; carved oval amethyst cabochon head; satin finished 18K yellow gold bead tail; signature flower at neck; beaded and zigzag details Highly polished Oxidized finish Snap-hinge bail with figure-eight safety catch Including bail, measures approximately 2-3/4"L x 1"W

A Note from the Designer

"The Japanese revere the grasshopper's song, believing the moon inspires its music. In China, the grasshopper is a symbol of happiness, good health, good luck, abundance, and virtue. Native Americans consider the grasshopper a harbinger of joyful news. The grasshopper springs us into magical realms and teaches us to see the 'big picture.' The lines of its body are perfect for a three-dimensional sculpture. Green quartz promotes growth and abundance, and I've placed a green-toned mother-of-pearl under Limon® quartz to give it a luminescent glow. The amethyst, a crown chakra stone, is specially carved for the grasshopper's head and is a stone of intuition, spirituality, and mediation."

—Barbara Bixby

From her blog:

I really enjoy creating critters and creatures of all kinds in my jewelry. The grasshopper has such a naturally beautiful and graceful silhouette which lent itself so well to making something that was striking and elegant while still being whimsical and fun. I’ve been wearing mine and it’s a real conversation starter. I hope that you will love and enjoy this as much as I have. The symbolism of this creature was so interesting to research!

I’ve always been so aesthetically enthralled with these little creatures and their graceful silhouette. When I started to explore the symbolism and mythology that surround them, I was truly inspired to create a piece of jewelry. The Japanese revere the grasshopper’s song, believing that the moon inspired their music. In China, the grasshopper is a symbol of happiness, good health, good luck, abundance and virtue. Native Americans consider the grasshopper to be a harbinger of joyous news. It appeals to artists, musicians and dancers. The lilting song is inspiring, and this advocate of intuition moves to its own rhythm, encouraging us to express our inner selves. When we need inspiration he can spring us into magical realms, and just as he sees with a thousand tiny eyes, he teaches us to see the “big picture.” When I read about the symbolism I decided to call it the, Leap of Faith Grasshopper Pendant.

The lines of its body seemed to me to be perfect for a beautiful, three-dimensional sculpture. The stones seemed the most natural choice aesthetically and also carry the perfect energies to enhance the symbolism of the grasshopper. Green quartz promotes growth and abundance. I’ve placed a beautiful green-toned mother of pearl under the limon quartz to give it a stunning luminescent glow. The amethyst, which is a crown chakra stone, is specially carved for the grasshopper’s head, and is a stone of intuition, spirituality and mediation.