Every once in a thousand years, when the planets align in conjunction with the Sun and the Moon, in a hidden Carpathian vale the Abbey of St. Istafan reveals itself to those who are pure of heart. (Special thanks to Heidi of Jamnglass on Etsy, and to Angela Clark of Boutique Beads in Melbourne.)

First the braiding with hand-rolled & dyed silk string to attach the bronze crucifix-shape stamping onto the Chinese silk collar. Additional elements: brass hooks, European Panda style beads.

Next, the serious business of adornment, using only Swarovski elements.

The Crucifix of St. Istafan.