WAVE Susan Helmich Tidal Wave: A Story of Betrayal. Infidelity is a common theme that has woven its way throughout the history of humankind. Stories are told, books have been written, and movies are produced that surround this theme, often becoming a source of popular intrigue and entertainment in our world today. Only when it becomes a personal experience, does one realize the devastation of a broken trust that brings on a tidal wave of emotions encompassing devastation, disorientation, pain, and confusion, often followed by feelings of rage and fantasies of retribution. Tidal Wave proved to be the catharsis in my own discovery of a betrayal and broken commitment in my marriage. This design and the story of Medusa, Poseidon, and Athena served as the narrative during a time when my whole world fell into the great abyss. The Italian-carved natural turquoise Medusa was purchased during a buying trip to Basel, Switzerland, in 1984. I coveted the fine workmanship and held it in my collection until this project. Innocence and beauty are represented by the keshi pearl that transitions from gray to gold in color. Seduction and emotional chaos are represented by the yellow gold and sterling silver waves that surround Medusa. Poseidon’s enticing and overwhelming power is represented by the sterling silver trident. Quartz druse base – the wave – (not shown) is a simple but beautiful rough stone from the Compton Rock Shop where my career began in 1971. Transported from California to Colorado, it was placed in my garden amongst the flowers where it sparkled in the sunlight for many years until the day I chose it to serve as the foundation of my story. 82