African turquoise is not actually turquoise, but a naturally occurring dark green and black form of jasper found in Africa. Jasper is one of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, as written by Saint John in the book of Revelation and is named as one of the stones in the breastplate of Aaron, as described in Exodus. The Jasper available and valued in Biblical times was also green-hued, though generally lighter, more uniform and tending toward translucent. It could be highly polished, even long ago, and was used both as a gem and as a medium for sculpted items.

 

Labradorite was first brought to the world’s attention when chunks of it were found on the shoreline of Isle Ste. Paul by the first successful missionaries to Labrador, in 1770. It can have a unique iridescence called "labradorescence" that is caused by pairs of crystals aligning in a process called “twinning,” with light refracting in the first and then reflecting off the interior crystal, rather than by direct surface reflection. Black labradorite generally has less of this effect, especially when rough polished, but makes a nice complimentary color and texture to the African turquoise of this rosary.

 

Saint Patrick was named the patron saint of Nigeria in 1961 (the 1500th anniversary of his death) after Ireland opened its embassy in Lagos.  The country is home to 20 million Catholics, and now actually sends priests to Ireland. Some of the most desired African turquoise originates from Nigeria, though we don't know the country of origin of the stones in this rosary.

 

The Trinity crucifix depicts the Father supporting the Son on the crucifix, with the Holy Spirit hovering above them in the image of a dove. Saint Patrick's iconic lesson on the Trinity had us wanting to include it.

Our goal is to provide you a rosary, not just sell you a rosary. We use only stainless steel eyepins, linkages, and jump rings for both their strength and durability. If there is any defect in the workmanship of a rosary you purchase from us, please let us know, and we will make it right, free of charge, including shipping, within the first year of purchase. Also, for as long as we make rosaries (a lifetime, we hope!), if a rosary we made for you ever has a broken linkage, eyepin, or jump ring, we will be happy to repair it, with cost limited to shipping. Whatever we can do to keep you praying!