JAN- Monstera Leaf Earrings

{BaseCollection} Older sister to the ERN earrings >>  Brass with a 18k heavy gold plate (nickel free) 8mm Malachite stone  Sterling Silver earpost and earback Very light weight  Length: 2 inches INSPIRATION: I was trying to think of something to make my brother’s girlfriend for Christmas.  She has great style, but I never know what to get her because she is very minimalistic and if you know me, you know I am the opposite!  I asked my brother what kind of things she might like and he mentioned they had some plants in their apartment and she liked the monstera leaf.  So, I decided to make her a pair of monstera leaf earrings.   WHY GOLD PLATE: Gold Plated jewelry is the best option for wearers who are jewelry obsessed but need to stay in a budget (#ballinonabudget, amirite??). It gives the impression of luxury while not causing you to break the bank every time you see a cute, trendy necklace or bracelet. Gold plated jewelry is made by using electricity or chemicals to deposit and bond a layer of gold over another metal. This process creates a layer of gold over a more affordable metal, usually silver or copper. Gold plating does fade over time (usually years depending on the thickness). The reason being that molecules of the base metals slowly transfer into the thin layer of gold causing it to break down. Below are some ways to ensure the longevity of the gold plate- Store your jewelry in an air tight container.  Do not shower, work out, swim, or sleep in your jewelry.  Do not put lotion or perfume on while wearing your gold plated pieces (mostly rings or necklaces). You can always clean your gold plated jewelry in warm soapy water with a very soft. ABOUT THE STONES: Part of my fascination with jewelry making is the stones. What do they mean? Where did they come from? Below find the meaning of the stones of this particular piece. Please keep in mind that gemstones and semi-precious gemstones have many different meanings to many different cultures- these are just what I’ve found in my research. ***MALACHITE crystal stone meaning echoes its deep connection to nature with colors of a lush and verdant spring bursting with new life. A must-have stone for city dwellers yearning for natural relics, bring the wonders of nature into your home by placing a large piece of Malachite in your living room. It works to remove environmental pollution and also adds a welcome pop of color in your sacred healing space. A powerful way to channel the Malachite crystal meaning is by meditating with a crystal layout that focuses on its healing properties.Following the cleansing ritual used by the Native Americans for thousands of years, smudge the space and crystals with sage to set the mood for transformation and healing. Then, place the Malachite crystal on your heart chakra and feel the crystal radiating with its perfect energy pattern that opens up the heart to love, the medicine to heal the world. This healing and purifying energy can be accessed when you connect with the Malachite crystal properties through peaceful contemplation. Holding a stone in each hand, feel its transformative powers infusing your body and mind with a white light of pure, healing love of the universe. HANDMADE IN CHICAGO WITH LOVE ♥ FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY & CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS @bebuddhajewelry on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest!