There's a scene in the movie 'Frida' where an older woman is singing 'La Llorna' ( The Weeping Woman ) to Salma Hayek ( who is playing Frida Kahlo. ) It's a heart-breaking scene to begin with, in the film, Frida is mourning the betrayal of her husband and is painting her famous ' The Two Fridas.' But one detail of this scene, and the actual genesis of this necklace which I've never talked about until now, is that the woman singing to Salma/Frida, is Chavela Vargas. Chavela knew Frida in real life, had actually lived with her and Diego and most likely had a love affair with her. This adds so much more poignancy and to me, real grief to this scene and serenade. Every time I listen to the soundtrack or watch this scene I get a felt sense in my body. Not only for my love of Frida Kahlo's work, but for the grief I feel for people I've lost. I made this strand for that, to help carry the weight of my grief. & it is quite literally, one of the heaviest strands we've made, so please keep that in mind when ordering. 

Onyx spheres in varying sizes hand-strung, named after the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and based on beads from her personal collection. 

This long archived, much loved strand, has been updated only with a new clasp, a large eye with a single tear.  

Frida:

I’ve been obsessed with a particular strand of beads via Frida Kahlo’s personal collection since I saw it in its glass vitrine amongst many other pieces of her personal wardrobe. During their marriage, Diego & Frida collected many artifacts of pre-Columbian sculpture, which would have possibly enabled her to get these beads directly from an archeological excavation - as they are believed to be Mayan Jade, ritually buried with the dead.

Beads and beaded necklaces have a long, long history and were handmade and valued in nearly every ancient society up to the present day - aside from their aesthetic and grave good usage, they were also a form of currency in some cultures. Frida hand strung beads to wear, despite their heft against her small body; in this way she tethered herself to the past just as I press myself to the/her past. The strand that inspired this one has a swirl of green paint she’s believed to have purposely left - a stroke caught in time - before it had been fully mixed to a cohesive green used in her paintings. I imagine it came from several shades on her palette, collected on a brush and then carefully smoothed over an ancient bead I viewed as part of a necklace a wounded artist wore during her life, excavated from her own ‘grave goods’ sealed for years and years and now released again, evidence of a person behind the legend, the towering ghost, the broken columned muse. 

Onyx:

Onyx is best known for being a natural stone that acts as a kind of 'psychic armor' against the negativity of others. They are also used to sooth grief and heartbreak. They are wonderful grounding stones and stones of self mastery, enabling its wearers to have mental and spiritual focus.

Measuring 35 inches long from end to end. Perfect for doubling up, or to wearing long. Layers beautifully with all other BloodMilk necklaces.

 ***IMPORTANT***:

This jewel is handmade to order, just for you, with care and focus. 

Please allow up to 5 weeks for creation before shipping.

Please visit the Policy Page to make an educated and informed purchase HERE.

Any questions: Please email: bloodmilkjewels@gmail.com