Bloodstone Heliotrope Beaded Vintage Necklace, 32" Mid-Century to 1970s

Beautiful vintage Bloodstone bead necklace. It is 32" in length with spherical and dodecagon (12-sided) beads. It has 37 beads threaded on a green jeweler's thread and the beads are separated by two brass beads. It has a barrel clasp. The barrel clasp was invented circa the 1930s. This necklace appears to be from the mid-century but could be as late as the 1970s. 

Bloodstone, also named Heliotrope by the Ancient Greeks, may be classified as a Jasper or Chalcedony variety of Quartz and is usually a combination of the two. It is typically defined as a dark green Chalcedony with blood-like spots of Red Jasper or iron oxide inclusions. Heliotrope means "Sunstone" and the Ancient Greeks believed it was a heavenly healing stone gifted from the Gods. It was believed to work wonders in healing anything to do with blood. It was even worn as an amulet to stop bleeding. In the Middle Ages, the red spots were thought to be the blood of Jesus, and the stone was believed to have miraculous powers, including making its wearer invisible. Medieval Christians often used bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs, leading it to also be dubbed "martyr's stone".

Bloodstone is great for the lower chakras, it's a stone that boosts strength, courage, and protection. It is also believed to be a great mood stabilizer while also bringing vitality and energy. It's like a cup of coffee for the soul!