Incorporating a Gemstone Into a Generational Storyline

  

Chrysoprase is highly prized for its opalescent 
minty, apple-green color. It is one of the 
rarest varieties of chalcedony quartz.

The splendor of gemstones has been with us for centuries. Today, as before, they are treasured for their beauty and worth. Some ascribe to them healing and good fortune.

Revelation 21:18-20 Living Bible (TLB)

The city itself was pure, transparent gold like glass! The wall was made of jasper, and was built on twelve layers of foundation stones inlaid with gems: the first layer with jasper; the second with sapphire; the third with chalcedony; the fourth with emerald; the fifth with sardonyx; the sixth layer with sardus; the seventh with chrysolite; the eighth with beryl; the ninth with topaz; the tenth with chrysoprase; the eleventh with jacinth; the twelfth with amethyst.

     The Bible tells us the tenth layer of the New Jerusalem will be made of chrysoprase, a beautiful green stone.  The meaning of chrysoprase comes from two words, chrys being the Greek for gold or yellow and prase from the Greek for 'leek', referring to the green coloring.

     For over a decade, I have written and recorded radio ads for a jewelry store.  Poring over the glass cases of brilliant, colorful gems set in sparkling gold and silver is an enjoyable part of the research needed for writing effective ad copy. When we decided to include a special, period piece of jewelry for our book, I was eager to take on the challenge. I settled on the chrysoprase gemstone because its rumored abilities to encourage hope, happiness and friendship. These qualities bring meaning to our story line that spans generations. Our main character, Prof. Norah Martin, travels in time throughout the story. At one point, she is taken back to the early 1900’s, and learns that a chrysoprase brooch was worn on a young bride’s wedding day and on special days thereafter.  It was a diamond shape, outlined in filigreed sterling silver.  A costly piece for the times – but valued more, for the love and eternal friendship of the giver. The bride had dreams for the future. Those dreams included her dear husband, her precious daughter and the notion that someday she would pin this chrysoprase brooch to her daughter’s wedding dress. Tragic events related to the turbulent history in the Red River Valley interrupt those dreams until Norah is pulled into the young woman’s life. She unwittingly becomes the missing part of a story that will be told.