Buwan Cowrie Earrings
Genuine cowrie shell, lapis lazuli, Dzi Tibetan agate + yellow tiger's eye with an 18k gold plated hook.
Cowrie shells have a long history and significance in multiple cultures. Kabibi (or, shell in Tagalog) is used in many Philippine households from jewelry / adornments to functional use. From Africa to Asia and Oceania, cowrie shells were the most commonly used means of payment. Cowrie shells are known to bring good luck and to protect the spirit of the wearer, and many use them in spiritual ceremonies. They also are a sign of femininity and fertility. I personally wear them as an amulet and to connect to my ancestors that inhabited the archipelago.
Knowledge of ancient dzi Tibetan agate beads is derived from oral traditions and still remains an ancient mystery. There are so many variations of their creation story -
The first story tells about Guru Padmasambhawa who once cast a tantric curse on some stones which transformed into Dzi beads and were thrown into different places all over Tibet. The second tale relates the Dzi beads' origin of insects. Many insects roamed around the riverbanks of Tibet and when people would run into these insects, a negative aura would consume them and transform them into Dzi Beads. The third legend claims that the Dzi beads were treasures of the sea brought up by serpents. Many tend to believe this because Dzi beads are part of the agate family. Many agate pieces have been created through rock formations found nearby or in rivers all over the world.
There is a lot of speculation about how the original dZi was etched because the modern technology of heating beads in a vacuum chamber was not available 100 years ago in remote Tibet.
They are regarded as intensely powerful protective amulets - this mysterious agate is steeped in history, with many belief systems turning to the powers and energies of the stone. Dzi and were considered to counteract the evil eye, protect from harmful energy and will always be one of the most interesting, mysterious and highly regarded amulet stones.
Lapis Lazuli is derived from the Latin word “Lapis” meaning stone and the Persian word “lāzaward” meaning sky or heaven. It is a metamorphic rock found in caves rather than mines and has some of the oldest societal uses tracing back ancient Egyptian high trade due to its beauty, but also incredible power. Its deep blue signifies wisdom and higher knowledge.
Known since the 1800s as a protective amulet, Tiger Eye is known for its chatoyancy and shine. This cat-eye shimmering effect is caused by the mineral’s natural parallel structures and reflective light that hits these minute, needle-like fibers. Gold tigers eye and it’s wild energy is a stone that has been known to cause minor “obsessions” with people as it brings out the energetic, personal needs and desires within the individual.