NEW: Providence Jeweler Ricci Creating Piece to Benefit Nepal Relief

GoLocalProv News Team

NEW: Providence Jeweler Ricci Creating Piece to Benefit Nepal Relief

The benefit necklace is pictured center, with the ball-shaped rudraksh seed.
Providence-based jeweler Jessica Ricci is creating a necklace to benefit the Nepal earthquake relief effort -- and has a personal connection to the cause. 

The earthquake, which struck the region on Saturday, has a death toll that has surpassed 4,600 -- with over 9,000 injured -- according to CNN.

‪"I found the rudraksh seed in the cluttered markets of Nepal six years ago when I worked in an orphanage for a couple of weeks. While there, I learned that the seed is used as prayer beads, or mala, in Hinduism and said to create a shield against negativity. Walking through villages I noticed that the Nepalese people hang the rudraksh beads over the doorways for protection. I never did anything with them, waiting for the right time or inspiration," said Ricci.

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"I have finally decided to string them onto a chain and sell them as a symbol of protection for $55. I only have 96 of them, so when they are gone, they are gone," continued Ricci. "One hundred percent of retail sale proceeds will go toward Nepal disaster relief and hopefully (once I track them down) to the kids who would bicker over who would hold my hand on the way to school, pausing only to give an offering to the shrines along the way."

The necklace, which are a bead on a silver or 18k gold plate 18" adjustable chain, can be purchased HERE.  

Ricci posted this photo with the beads, taken in Nepal.

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