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Barbara Hillary Threaders

Barbara Hillary Threaders

$85.00Price
  • Citrine
  • Labradorite
  • Tourmaline
  • Sapphire
  • Green Garnet
  • Iolite
  • Whiskey Quartz
  • Green Amethyst

 

Length of Droplet ⇢ 2.75 inches 

 

 

To celebrate the influential women that have made a significant difference on the world we have named each piece of jewelry after one of them. This pair of earrings is named after Barbara Hillary. To find out about her accomplishments, history, & more check out the information boxes below. We will include this information on a card with your purchase.  

 

 

Find out the history, lore, & healing powers of each gemstone in the information sections at the bottom of the page.  

 

 

These 14k gold fill earrings are perfect for those who have sensitive skin. All of the metal components are hypoallergenic & with proper care, will not tarnish, turn, or stain your skin! 

For more information on 14k gold filled metals & how to care for this type of jewelry, check out our information sections below. 

 

 

High quality Labradorite is cut in a way that showcases its blue shine, or labradorescence. While it looks like this display of colors is a reflection on the surface of the stone, it actually comes from a reflection caused by light hitting a twinning surface inside the stone. High quality labradorite gemstones are selected based on the amount of labradorescence. These crystals are cut in a way that displays these twinning surfaces, making it easier for light to reach them & reflect.  

 

 

Every pair of earrings is made with natural gemstones. The shape & size of the gemstones in the piece you receive will be the same as those pictured in the listing, however, the color in each earring may vary slightly.  

 

  • Barbara Hillary wore many professional hats throughout her life. While she is best known for her accomplishments as an Arctic explorer, she was also a nurse, publisher, adventurer, & motivational speaker. 

    In her early life, Barbara dreamed of becoming a nurse. She graduated from New York University with a Masters degree in Gerontology, after which, she began a long career as a nursing professional. 

    Barbara retired from nursing after 55 years. Her retirement, however, was far from average. While her friends were looking forward to relaxing, Barbara couldn't ignore her passion for adventure. Her first trip would be to Quebec to go dog sledding. It was on this trip she learned that at the time, no African American woman had reached the North Pole. It was at that very moment she decided she would be the first!

    To prepare for the journey she took cross country skiing lessons & worked with a personal trainer. The total cost of a polar expedition was approximately $20,000, which was much more money than Barbara's retirement budget would afford her. However, this wouldn't stop her! She raised money for the trip by writing to sponsers & collecting donations. It wasn't long before she had raised close to $25,000! She booked the trip & set out for the North Pole.

    On April 23, 2007, at the age of 75, Barbara Hillary became one of the oldest people, as well as the first African American woman to step foot in the North Pole.

    After she returned, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing & honoring her achievement in reaching the North Pole. In 2008, she received the Woman of Courage Award from the National Organization for Women.

    Think thats impressive? Five years later, on January 6, 2011, Barbara became the first African American woman to visit the South Pole, as well!

    Following her expeditions Barbara became a motivational speaker, travelling around the country giving inspirational speaches for a number of different organizations. 

    While she made history for her achievements in the Arctic, Barbara would experience additional triumphs throughout her life that were equally, if not more, impressive - she was a two time cancer survivor! Around 1998, Hillary was diagnosed with lung cancer & underwent surgery to remove it. This was her 2nd diagnosis - the first was breast cancer when she was in her 20's.

    Barbara seemed to be invincible until 2019, when a horrible illness caused one of her heart valves to fill with fluid. Despite being incredibly sick, she still managed to travel to Mongolia that same year to raise awareness on the effects of climate change to people in the region. When she returned to New York, Barbara experienced months of declining health & passed away on November 23. 

     

    To celebrate Barbara Hillary's incredible life she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2020.

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