The Alabaster Jar

 

"Devotion" (sold)

There is a beautiful incident, recorded in the Bible, during a supper that Jesus attended six days before Passover, which would have been right before His crucifixion and death.  This is a story about the love and deep devotion of a woman's heart.  Mary of Bethany was the sister of Martha and Lazarus whom, you may remember, Jesus had raised from the dead.  At a dinner given in Jesus' honor, Mary, overcome with emotion, broke open a very expensive alabaster jar of perfume and poured it over Jesus' feet.  With tears pouring from her eyes and the fragrance of the perfume filling the house, she wiped His feet with her hair.

 

Some of those present were indignant and rebuked Mary harshly.  The money, they said, was worth a year's wages and could have been given to the poor.  Mary's act was somewhat scandalous as the perfume was very costly, worth a year's wages.  It was a servant's humble work to attend to guest's feet and respectable women did not unbind their hair in public. 

Jesus' response was quick, "Leave her alone.  It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.  You will always have the poor among you but you will not always have me".  Jesus knew that they did not truly care about the poor at all; their intentions were not good.  He also knew that He was to die in the next few days and would, physically, no longer be with them.  Perfume and oils were commonly used to anoint the dead at burial but not in the case of criminals.  Jesus was to die a criminal's death and Mary unwittingly anticipated this.  Also, Mary knew something that we often seem to forget:  she was anointing the feet of the King.  She didn't care what anyone thought or said.  Her love and devotion for Christ was pure and the object of her affections was more than worthy.

"Devotion"

As I worked on this piece, this beautiful vintage perfume vial reminded me of Mary's alabaster jar.  It's not made of alabaster but iridescent shell and aged brass.  The tiny stopper still has it's original cork and moves up and down on a small, brass chain.  I connected it to the necklace with a vintage religious medal featuring a chalice that represents the last supper.

I used a very old, lavender crystal rosary for one of the chains.  The crystal beads have been used for countless prayers, I'm sure, and purple is the color of royalty.  The brass chain and connectors are patina-ed with age.  I used several shades of faceted moonstone in the links and a faceted moonstone onion briolette for the drop.  I didn't realize this but moonstone is known as "lovers' stone" which makes it a perfect choice for this piece.  I added one, fat, faceted amethyst bead.  Amethyst was included as one of the precious stones in the breastplate of the High Priest of the Jews and also in the foundation of the New Jerusalem (Revelation).  The small, cream-colored cross is carved buri seed.  The freshwater pearls echo the shape and luster of the perfume vial.  The gemstone and pearl links are all wrapped with sterling wire.

 

I finished the necklace with a very small, luminous seed beads and a vintage clasp.

 

I have to say, this is one of my favorite creations.  The crystal, moonstone, pearl and shell make it absolutely glow and give it just the right subtle sparkle.

Comments

[Religious Necklaces]

Wow What a beautiful necklace. Really extraordinary.Love the jar and the devotion medal. The medal looks like the challice of life.

[salud]

hi, nice pic. anyway, i grab your alabaster jar pic and posted it in my blog. check it out. thanks.

[robin dudley-howes]

This is beautiful Deryn.
Robin

[Lisa Kaus]

Merry Christmas- Love looking at all the great inspiration and eye-candy on your blog!
best wishes
xo

[Violet Skiles]

What an absolute treasure!!! a necklace filled with so much meaning, I can't even put into words what is in my heart as I look at it and read your thoughts. Exquisite.

[Lana]

Deryn, the post and the necklace are beautiful! Thank you for sharing them both!
Merry Christmas!

[Deb Trotter]

Unbelievably exquisite!

Just when I think you can't top yourself, you DO.

The colors and the balance ... the beads you used ... everything has fallen into place as if guided by an unseen hand.

Perfect!

Deb

[Nelda Ream]

What a beautiful creation, Deryn. And thank you for sharing the beautiful story with us also.

[Tamsie]

What a gift to share on your blog. Your work has such soul. Thank you.

[Glenn Bliss]

Dear Deryn,

Absolutely lovely! I adore the little chalice medal. Where do you find these treasures?

[Nancy Jamar]

Deryn: Thank you for your beautiful post...I feel blessed to have checked in this afternoon and found it, as well as the photos of your astonishing creation.

[Diane Folks]

Hi! I've been enjoying your blog since last summer. This necklace is one of the most stunning pieces of jewelry I've ever seen! If I could afford it, it would be around my neck for sure! I also wanted to tell you how interesting it has been to learn the meaning behind "The 12 Days of Christmas". Thank you for making the world a more beautiful place!

[Chris]

Extraordinary, Deryn. This will be a treasure for a lucky woman. The meaning and your workmanship make it a beloved gift.

[Denise Mares]

Deryn, this piece is amazing! Every detail is symbolic and meaningful. Very special.

Wishing you peace and love during the holidays and always.

[Keron Lee]

SOOOOOOOOOOO beautiful Deryn - and what a lovely way to pictorially tell the story of Mary with Jesus............very special - thank you for sharing. hugs x Keron

[Dale]

oh wow. this is so pretty Deryn! I am so drawn to the lovely irridescent colours. The story and meaning behind fascinates me. Wonderful, wonderful job here.

[Christine]

Yes, I agree with everyone, this is a gorgeous piece and a wonderful interpretation of Mary's story. Like all your pieces, I can tell you've put a lot of thought in to it. Thank you for sharing the precious story of Mary and Jesus. Happy Holidays Deryn!
xo-Christine

[Eunice]

being on a fixed income, i can't afford this necklace, but it is beautiful, and the thought is especially beautiful. i hope someone can afford it who will appreciate it's true meaning.

[Crystal]

Absolutely stunning, Deryn! I think it is your best yet ~ you have certainly been perfecting your craft! I can just see Mary at Jesus feet with this alabaster jar.
Crystal

[Emandaj]

Simply beautiful.

Did you know that since the days of the early church, bishops have worn amethyst signet rings because the word amethyst means "not drunk" as in "these religious folks are not drunk on wine, they are fillled with the Holy Spirit"?

[Jen Crossley]

How Stunning your work is amazing, how you put everything together just right.
Thanks for sharing so much
Jen

[Linda]

This piece is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing the meaning of the 12 days of Christmas and also the Bibical passage that goes along with the alabaster jar. This necklace is so beautiful as well as the necklace you created. Merry Christmas!

[Carla]

Beautiful necklace!

[Pilar]

Mary and the Alabaster Jar is one of my favorite stories in the bible. You did a wonderful job with your interpretation via stones, links, and metal. This piece is simple exquisite. xoxoxoxo