Materials

COMPONENTS.  There is something so warm and poignant about these pieces.  Every Crucifix, Centerpiece, and Medal is a hand-cast reproduction of vintage and antique originals found all over the world.  My favorite pieces have been worn smooth by their original owners, and I always wonder who that person was, and how it brought them closer to Christ.

In these extraordinary works of sacred art, we are bequeathed the legacy of faith in the Family of God.  They are truly special and rare, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the faithful casters who are devoted to bringing us these miniature masterpieces.

 

WIRE.  Durability, ease of care, and aesthetic are just a few of the reasons that I’ve selected solid Argentium Sterling Silver (.930) and solid Bronze.  Argentium is a special low-tarnish Sterling, and is the only silver that I use for my links: it’s brighter than conventional silver, is a jeweler’s dream to bend, and is a classic choice that will stand the test of time.

 

Bronze, however, is earthy and deep, and quiets the mind to contemplation like no other.  It begins as a warm gold and ages to a deep, rich old-penny brown.  Both are a breeze to care for, only needing a simple soft cloth to keep them looking their best.

 

 

For both wires, I use thicker gauges of 20 and 21 for an even stronger link, and sometimes 19 depending on the needs of the design (22 gauge is commonly used in rosaries today).  If you’ve ever noticed the wire links of the old antique rosaries, you’ve probably noticed the thinness of the 24 and 26 gauge wires, which, sadly, is why they often broke.  Gauge is as important as the quality of the alloy in determining how long your rosary will last.  Thicker = stronger.

 

FINE PEARLS.  There is nothing that drenches the eye quite like the jewel of the sea:  the pearl.  Pearls are incomparable and absolutely irresistible when worked into a rosary.  The feel, the weight, the sight of them is a delight in every way.

Nacre is the lustrous outer coating of a pearl, and why I love them so much.  Like wire, when it comes to nacre, the thicker, the better, the more resilient – and the more valuable the gem.  I am very blessed to have found a wonderful pearl house with extraordinary gems.  They hand-select my pearls and always include a written appraisal of the raw strand’s value.   A true (appraised) AA+ quality is the bare minimum grade required for a Miracoli Rosary.  At this grade, I expect clear overtones; exceptional reflection; and minor flaws in shape and surface.  When it comes to the very finest in pearls – AAA or better (such as Hanadama pearls) – everything is perfection:  absolute round, no surface flaws, luminescent color, and a reflection so defined that even facial features are distinct when looking at these pearls.  In a word, they are stunning.

With such rare gems, I take utmost care to ensure that the beauty of God’s creation stays that way.  The pearls are custom-drilled to accommodate the thicker wire, and I double-cap every single pearl.

Legacy pearls are a once-in-a-lifetime investment, and each offering in this exclusive collection comes with a written appraisal by an Independent Certified Gemologist.

 

MINERALS & GEMSTONES.  Minerals and gemstones are the perfect choice for prayers beads for so many reasons.  They are endlessly fascinating to look at, and inspire deep contemplation.  They are beautiful, with each gem having its own qualities and characteristics.  The Jaspers are as varied as the imagination; Agates are delightfully transluscent; Kyanite and Kunzite have the most brilliant chatoyance; Amethyst, with the color of kings and anticipation, beckons…  Because they are natural substances, every single bead is its own a one-of-a-kind work of art.

But my favorite aspect of minerals and gemstones is how each one tells the story of faith in its own way.  Picture Jasper calls to mind the dusty road on the way to Emmaus, while faceted crystal reminds me of the New Jerusalem.  Some minerals have literally been millions of years in the making, having been here already when Christ walked the earth, and now, they serve to count our prayers on our own walk with Christ.  I can think of no better reason, no higher use for a bead, than to lift the heart and mind to Holy God.

 

SWAROVSKI®.  The name Swarovski is recognized the world over as the finest crystal components  that you can find anywhere.  These Austrian beauties can’t be beat for their precision-cut facets, consistent quality, exhaustive range of colors and effects, shapes, and sizes – although many have tried.  Not to mention, the entire reason that we love crystal in the first place – that jubilant rainbow flash!  Swarovski is the only brand of crystal that you will find at Miracoli Rosaries; quite simply, it never disappoints.

 

ARTISAN LAMPWORK BEADS.  Lampwork beads are truly fantastic.  They are miniature worlds, encased in glass, and really spark the imagination.  Their feel is sublime and the colors and design possibilities are endless.  Like most everything else, not all lampwork is created equal.  Some are made overseas in factories in countless quantities, with manufacturing dust all over them.  But if you’re lucky (and we know it’s got nothing to do with luck), you happen to find true artisans of glass.

 

Kalera Stratton and Lynn Bauter have been just that for me: a most blessed find.  These incredible artists have figured out how to use fire to tame glass.  Kalera is one of the preeminent lampworkers in the country, always creating, dreaming, innovating.  Lynn you will know by the beautiful roses encased in glass.  These are my most sought-after Paters and for good reason.  Her artistry is infused with her own faith, and her beads absolutely shine.

I have used and loved these spectacular beads since the beginning, and I relish every opportunity to incorporate them into my work.