Santisima Muerte Rosary Chaplet Necklace

I finished this piece for the most part weeks ago and then agonized over what charm or image or portrait of Santisima Muerte I should use on it.

My cast-metal medals seemed too large and not the right look. I tried five different mixed media/collage assemblages in silver frames that I then filled with resin - rejected all of them as too shiny/glossy/wrong. I cannibalized some old frames and bails to make a bronze-toned frame pendant that had the right look, I thought, and would have worked if I'd had some sheet copper, but I only had tin to work to use for the back, and it was just too small to really work.

I finally decided to end the piece with a wrapped loop at the bottom of the terminal stone howlite cross and call it done. Those who aren't into the long drapey rosary look won't want it hanging any longer than it already is, I reasoned, and those who are into it can use the loop to add and subtract crosses, charms, pendants, extra dangly bits, and whatever portraits or lockets they like over time as it strikes their fancy. And those who want to honor Santisima Muerte in their choice of jewelry but want to keep it kind of subtle and less obvious will be able to with this rosary necklace.

But let me know if you want some modifications - I'm happy to custom-finish this for its new owner's preferences.

Wrapped loop construction makes this piece pretty sturdy. Wire segments and loops are a mix of copper and jeweler's bronze wire double and triple wrapped for security. Clasp links and hook are hand-hammered copper wire, work hardened so they won't give or pull out of shape if you look at 'em wrong. Skull beads are ethically-sourced carved yak bone.

Made with respect and devotion, one link at a time, by a worker who's been a devotee of Santisima Muerte for going on 20 years now. Happy to answer questions and happy to incorporate your intention/petition into the final prayers and blessings as I finish up the altar work and package this piece for its journey to its new home.

Entire piece is 18.5" long, unclasped and held end to end. The loop portion measures about 16.5". The clasp, red charms, and black cross add another 2.5" to the length.