Under the vast canopy of an ancient forest, a peculiar turtle with a checkered shell of white and soft sky blue set off on an extraordinary adventure. For as long as he could remember, whispers of a hidden treasure had called to him—a secret buried deep within the wilderness. One morning, as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the trees, he tied a small bindle to a stick, tucked his map inside, and began his journey.

The turtle's map, old and crinkled with time, led him through dense groves of ferns and across babbling streams. Months passed before he reached his destination: the twisted roots of a great oak tree. Beneath the ancient bark, nestled in the soil, he uncovered his prize—a piece of gold so luminous it seemed to glow with the forest’s own light. With care, he added the treasure to his bindle, its weight sagging gently against his shoulder.

The turtle then came upon a hidden pond, its surface shimmering like glass in the late afternoon light. Nestled in a grove of reeds and wild grasses, he gratefully set down his bindle to rest. The air was cool and carried the scent of damp earth, mingled with the faint sweetness of nearby wildflowers.

The turtle gazed into the pond, his reflection rippling as a soft breeze ruffled the surface. His shell, with its unique checkered pattern, blurred in the shimmering water, blending with the light and shadows of the world around him. Though his bindle held the treasure he had sought, here, at the edge of this quiet pond, he realized the journey itself had given him something just as precious.

Dipping a foot into the cool water, he watched as ripples spread outward, endlessly expanding like the possibilities that lay ahead. The gold was his prize, but this hidden pond, with its stillness and quiet beauty, felt like a gift from the forest itself—a moment to pause, to reflect, to simply be.

As the turtle rested, he closed his eyes and smiled, letting the peace of the pond wash over him. The forest had many treasures, he thought, but some—like this moment—could never be carried in a bindle.

The jeweled turtle is a rare vintage by Ciner. The brooch features a stunning malachite stone mimicking the lake, framed by rings of pearls and rhinestones with vintage wildflowers growing abundantly besides it. The lapel pin is accented with natural aquamarine, agates, rose quartz and turquoise stones. All finished with 14kt gold-filled wires.

Handcrafted in Maryland by Mindy Lam

Only 1 available.

Dimensions Approximately: 7.5" x 3"