The one leaf that comes to mind most often when one thinks of the long and cold winter months is that of the holly leaf and its rich red berries. It was once believed that a holly tree planted in a courtyard would keep away all evil spells. The holly itself is thought to symbolize heroism and endurance. The Romans were known to give holly to friends during the winter festivals to ensure good health although the practice originated with the Persians. Overall, the holly provides a burst of color in an otherwise desolate time of year, to survive the bleakness of the winter months, or the darkest hour in one's life, it is necessary to look upon the warm bright berries of the holly and its glossy green leaves in order to appreciate the changes the winter brings and the promise of spring buds. The holly necklace is composed of three stones; emeralds, rubies, and chromium tourmaline. The emerald is the great protector in the sense that it protects the self in all its many facets. Because of its rich green the emerald has always been representative of Mother Earth and is therefore likened to all things on the earth and physical plane. Emerald grounds the self and is believed to cleanse all physical heart functions. The ruby is also linked to the heart region and is thought to enrich and enliven one's ability to love all people and things in a selfless manner. The vibrant passion of the ruby and the grounding of the emerald in unison provide the wearer with the ability to be vital yet stable and wholly enriched. Green tourmaline promotes courage and strength to cope while enriching the body with its physical regenerative properties. The holly should be worn by an individual who is in the winter of their life in order to give strength as well as a burst of red passion to help the individual regain their courage and hope for the coming of springtime joy.

The Box

The holly box is made from linden wood and is adorned with small red berry carvings lining its sides. The top of the holly box is decorated with emeralds, rubies, garnets and tourmaline all sewn on raw silk. The inside of the box is also lined with raw silk as well as Japanese ribbon and hand screened Japanese paper.