When Shelly Bermont couldn’t find the jewelry she wanted to wear years ago, she did what came naturally: she learned to make it herself. “I was always looking for something a little different, a little more me,” she says. “The jewelry I saw seemed too formal for everyday wear, so I learned the craft of jewelry-making, and it became my art.”
Green tourmaline is said to give its wearer courage and strength, stamina and vitality, as it aligns one’s vibrations with the energies of the Earth, so we feel sure that it must have worked its wonders on Shelly in the best of ways, as she created her art and crafted her business.
Verdelite, as green tourmaline is also known, is a rare gem, sought after by women for millenia. It was officially declared a gemstone, though, when a green tourmaline was purchased by Tiffany & Co. in 1876. While tourmalines are found in a wide variety of colors, the deeper the green the more coveted the stone.
As Shelly wore her own understated combinations of semi-precious gemstones like tourmaline, Tahitian and South Sea pearls, leather, precious metals and even raw gems, she created a market for her wearable treasures. Before she knew it, she had a growing business selling her own distinctive designs because so many others had asked for similar and custom pieces, too.
“First, I sold my pieces to individuals everywhere, then was courted by established retail stores like Underwood Jewelers in Florida — but my dream was to have my own store. In 2017, I finally made that a reality in Big Sky, where I’ve lived for 27 years.”
“The Big Sky community is known for its casual vibe, with a sophistication here also,” Shelly says, “and I love being part of a place that pretty much echoes the feel of my jewelry, too.”
Tourmaline is actually abundant in Montana, which may give a hint as to why so many people feel so good in the Treasure State’s wide open spaces. Many believe that, when we wear a piece with tourmaline, it focuses electrical energies in our bodies, creating a flow of wholesome energy to all parts of our bodies, and therefore our minds and spirit too.
Shelly captures the raw, organic beauty of Rhubarb Tourmaline in this double strand of rough oblong stones, then adds a touch of refinement with 18kt yellow gold beads and clasp. A regal, healing piece to treasure forever.
So, if you need some healing energies that will strengthen your heart and perhaps even calm your nerves, consider the beauty of a green tourmaline necklace, earrings, or bracelet to focus the proper flow of energies between your body to our own Mother Earth. Visit Shelly’s website www.shellybermont.com for an array of her hand-designed jewelry.