The Golden Boots

Jo Hayes Ward 3 Edge Bangle — Jo Hayes Ward

I peered dubiously at the layer of flat, damp stones: “Why do I have to go first?” They didn’t answer immediately, which made me even more dubious.

I wasn’t exactly afraid, but this hadn’t been my idea; anything could have been down there and it may have been something sinister. One thing was for sure, we weren’t supposed to be there.

Maybe I was supposed to go first because rule-breaking was my specialty, I pondered, or maybe it was because I owned the magic blue vehicle.

The young woman standing by my right shoulder leaned over to explain. “Its because you’re wearing the golden boots” she intonated phlegmatically, with perfect-seeming reason. “You’re the only one who can cross through safely.”

I caught sight of her out of the corner of my eye but could not see her face properly. She was smaller than I was and about the same age, with mid-length brown hair. I implicitly trusted her judgement– she seemed to have some innate sense of logic – although I wasn’t sure if we were actually friends, or merely acquaintances for this mission.

None of them were wearing shoes. I looked down at my own feet, which were dangling over the ledge where I was sitting. I had to admit they were looking quite fine. Two perfectly smooth and symmetrical round-toed boots that were clearly made of solid gold glimmered at me. They were very shiny.

I admired the boots for a second more and then made a decision to act. Stretching my legs down as far as I was able, I managed to graze the nearest stone with my toes, but it seemed slightly out of reach to touch properly.

I continued to reach down, my arms and legs all straining, while behind me I heard them suggesting that the best way might be to just jump down onto the platform.

Easy for them to say! I had doubts about their suggestion; as we had no idea of how far down we would have to go, or whether the stones would suddenly collapse leaving a gaping hole, it seemed foolish to make a leap that might lead to sudden death or discovery.

I decided to do it anyway.

The World is Thine

“Meek”, He said, “the World is Thine.

This the reason; Just, Divine.

Bless these words, inform the start:

Energy, Created Art.”

Circle of the Planets

“Hello, we are planets, reach up to our place,

Oceans of timelessness, true outer space.

Come to the realm of our mind’s inner eye,

Enter it’s highway and steer as we try,

Tossing and turning, to keep to our course,

Troubled by meteors. Flux is our force”

The Watcher

The silver mirror turns to fire.
Golden haired, a halo of sunrise
Is in the clouds.

His robe is cloudy grey and heavier.
Than the robe of air
That was lighter than petals, silk or breath.

He passes over my head like a wind horse;
The hem of his robe brushes my face.
“Nephilim” Someone said.

“Elohim”, I replied.

He is standing above and beyond me;

I see him looking East.
He is a young-looking and handsome;
He is older than day, cooler than rain,

But there are no tears in his eyes; his eyes dry.

He watches and waits like a coiled Spring,
Radiating fiery light that is silvery grey,

Like fire of the moon and dry rain.

I cannot breathe or blink, I do not feel or think
As I watch him watching the sun rise.
I hope his gaze does not turn on me.
Angel, anima, herald, star, who is he?

It matters less if he does not see me.

His impenetrable breastplate
Is his silver chest of translucent air;

Knight of the sun or prince of the night,

His hair reflects the golden light,
Rising in the dawn he knows is coming.

Ever he swears allegiance:

Eternal is His dominion;

I watch for Him until day breaks.

If the Watcher stops watching, will the watched-for never return?

Message from the Stars

Sotheby's collection — 19th Century Diamond Ring and Necklace, image from Sotheby's

“Smile!”, the stars incline to tell,

“Share our light, immortal wealth.

Blessed are we with hopes and dreams,

Sent from Earth in endless reams.

So we shine to share with you

The dazzling promise: Dreams come true.”

Emerald Forest

From the deep and emerald forest,
Silent as the moon in heaven,
Bathed in light, a horseback rider
Came and moved among the seven.

“One returns,” cried out the Shaman,
“He could tell a pretty story,
Judging by the hand that’s holding
Stuff of legend, history, glory.”

Robed in silence, seven sages
Watched the horseman drawing nearer,
Saw the treasure, clear as crystal,
Then, let out their breath in stages.

“Now are eight but who will show us
Where the final one is waiting?”
Spoke the Shaman, at which moment,
Something stirred within the forest.

Light of limb and swathed in mystery,
Dazzling in the emerald darkness,
Velvet steps upon the carpet;
Walked the ninth towards the others.

Sat she down beside the fire,

Tranquil as the moon at midnight
As the eight in spellbound wonder,
Took her as their inspiration.

Eyes that once were blind with wisdom
Opened then to something greater.
How it happened, none could fathom:
How the ninth became this lady.

So, there is the greatest mystery:
Free of time and made immortal,
Born to hold the key of history;
She, who dared step through the portal.

The Supernatural Style of Jacey Withers

: Jacey Withers

After training at Berkshire College of Art and Design in Fashion and Accessories, Jacey Withers went on to study silversmithing at the University of North London and leather at Cordwainers. His very first collection was designed in 2002.

Jacey has since worked alongside various fashion designers and established stylists. Mythology, elements of the supernatural and the magic of the animal kingdom inspire his unique signature style.

Jacey Wither’s ethereal jewellery is bold in design with a highly sophisticated use of colourful semi-precious stones. His latest sell out pieces include the stunning Snow Leopard collection, large hand sculpted leopards made in sterling silver decorated with 22 carat gold and a clever use of oxidising.

Wither’s unusual work has won him international acclaim, a high profile customer base and features in

publications including British Vogue, Italian Vogue and Elle.

In Jacey Wither’s SS10 collection we catch sight of mischievous but adorable silver monkeys swinging

from chains clutching semi-precious loot in their toes. Exotic flowers made in silver and gold incorporate Jacey’s trademark patterning to adorn rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

Giant over sized claims embellished with 22 ct gold detail feature on necklaces replacing their usual pearl for a hand sculpted Jacey skull drop. Other sea life pieces include dancing sharks with golden fins, which flash on necklaces and eye catching earrings. In shore there are creatures of a feathered kind. Black parrots in oxidised silver with gold beaks and feathers fly on dark chains displaying their delicate tail plumage of fine chains and select stones.

Last but not least the Treasure Box necklace itself. This must have piece contain hidden jewels including; blood red carnelian, black agate and metallic pyrite. This gem set can dangle from the box or be neatly tucked inside enabling the piece to be worn in two ways. The Island and its curious charms provide an exciting collection defiantly worth making a voyage of discovery.

Ana De Costa’s Mystical Tarot

Ana De Costa yellow gold and tsavorite earrings

However brief a person’s encounter is in your life they leave a carbon imprint on your soul

Mystical Tarot is Ana De Costa’s first fine jewellery collection since she received high acclaim for ‘Cusp’, her St Martins graduation collection in 2005. Her ‘Mystical Tarot’, collection was inspired by a rare and special deck of tarot cards, introducing a design concept given Ana by a dear friend, who has been an inspiration to many key creative minds in the fashion industry.

Ana’s latest designs form a narrative, following the story of the characters from the Art Noveau tarot deck translated directly to the jewellery. Hand-picked for their visual poignancy and spiritual meaning, these Art Noveau images were designed by Antonella Castelli, an illustrious 1920’s illustrator, from a luxurious and decadent period which continues to provide the main aesthetic for Ana’s designs.

The collection includes twelve elegant pieces including pendants, dress earrings, a bracelet and cocktail rings, one which draws inspiration from the form of a papal design. The intricate design taken from the artwork of the cards forms the detail, sculpted in 18-carat rose, white and yellow gold.

Ana De Costa necklace — Ana De Costa tsavorite and onyx pendant

The design of a crescent moon forms a stunning monocle pendant, set in white gold with black pave set diamonds to look like the night sky. A dramatic sweeping drop earring, designed to be worn with a simple stud, shows an example of Ana’s quirky approach to fine jewellery, and her innate sense of style.

A combination of stones including tsavorites, fire opals, rose quartz, rubies and fancy coloured diamonds, demonstrates Ana’s playful use of colour, and reflects her freethinking, bohemian spirit. Her delicate fine jewellery collection, with gothic undertones, offers impactful statement pieces which feel just at home with a pair of jeans as a piece of couture.

Ana De Costa has also produced a stunning ‘Rising Gems’ collection in conjunction with The World Land Trust and Liberty.

Deep Secret

She saw him as he kissed her on the cheek.

Warmth was like a firefly, dancing in his eyes, melting into liquid all the diamonds of her mind.

He put both his hands into her hair.

The radio crackled and grew fainter, framing the endless silence like a braid of wheat, magnetising all background interference so the air grew taut as a lens, magnifying live reactions as if they were in a scene from a lyric master’s play.

A tear escaped from the corner of one eye, smelted by the heat of his star-like gaze. Silver like mercury, burning as bright as magnesium on fire.

Her secret name was spoken as a seal and she felt as if light, not blood, was flowing through her veins.

Why it was and always would be such a deep secret, who could say?

Victorious is the bright desire from the eyes of the fair bride; it sits enthroned beside the eternal laws, for the goddess Aphrodite works her invincible will. (Sophocles, Antigone)

Aphrodite’s Lovely Lips

The twice-born child threw back his head and laughed, his eyes just dancing as he took another draught. He turned to his deadly mistress and handed her the urn, at once feeling nothing but deepest desire.

“Wet your lovely lips and hark at this.”

She raised the earthen urn to her sweet, pink mouth and a murmur of surrender left her lover. “Oh fair-breasted Queen of my most erotic dreams. He may become a poet, my proud brother, but sure as day is night he is no lover.“

She took a second sip as he kissed her milk-white throat. Her voice was mocking, as ever. “Poor Dionysus, has your wine gone bitter! Who better than Apollo, voice of all reason, to relay the will of God to man?”

“Oh – daughter of the white-flecked foam – would you really prefer that braggart’s endless rationing to immortal death from too much loving?” His mouth fell down upon her breast, warm and soft as velvet beneath the silky, see-through dress.

Her eyes glazed over with lust. “You play to your strengths, I’ll grant you that; but what if death holds no temptation, even if the manner of dying might so much?”

“Pearl of Poseidon’s sea, how cruel that you pretend not to see. Do not all fair females of the universe have an inner understanding of my mystery?”

“You are a sly, uncontrollable creature and half of my self is now enthralled as I await your meaning! Come now, whisper your sweet nothings in my shell-like ear!”

“Nothing that is definable in words except – perhaps – immortal or invincible. Now show me that your body has a heart.”

“And why would I have a heart, foolish being, when such a thing was made to just be broken! Beware, now. My age-old son – the wholly unconquered warrior – stands poised right above you with his deadly, love-tipped arrow. One more stolen kiss and you, Dionysus, shall be blighted for your eternal life by the lust of Aphrodite, abandoned to the web of Ariadne by this fatal charm.

He took from her the urn and drained it to a drop. “If there is a thorn on this rose, then smite me with it now, your highness, so I can bleed and watch you leave.”