** If you are looking for Jim's exact replica (beads, bead size, cord color, etc) then you will want to see my Jimbo Young Lion design **
* My necklaces by default have a temporary knot, NOT a permanent knot. Please see more detail regarding this in the description below *
This is a replica (larger bead version) of the love bead necklace worn by Jim Morrison of the Doors , during his famous Young Lion Photo Shoot by Joel Brodsky in September 1967 . It's also referred to as his American Poet necklace , and his Cobra necklace (although the pattern is not based on the pattern of a snake).
I started researching the origins of this necklace years ago. I can tell you that this necklace by Mojo's Beads is the most accurate Jimbo necklace available anywhere in the world, and of the highest quality. It was made solely because of my love of Jim's music and poetry .
The pattern and colors I use are original to what Jim wore around his neck . This necklace was created by Doors photographer Henry Diltz , who was approached by a friend of Jim's, Gloria Stavers in the fall of 1967 to have a necklace made for him. She described Jim as earthy (brown and green), spiritual (white) and mysterious (black). So that's how this necklace was formed .
The necklace that Val Kilmer wears in the 1991 movie "The Doors" has red in it and the pattern is different, not what Jim actually wore. See my other items for that necklace.
I make these myself with a high level of pride and care , using a very strong nylon cord made for bead making (C-Lon 0.5mm), and the highest quality Czech beads, resulting in a beautiful replication of Jim's necklace.
The length is approximately 30" (plus or minus one inch). Custom lengths available (shorter or longer), email me with inquiries BEFORE purchasing. The ends are not tied with a permanent knot so that you can customize the length. I personally just tie a surgeon's knot. It's very easy to do and incredibly strong. The necklace will come tied with a temporary knot. If you would like me to tie a permanent knot please message me to do so during the purchase (do not wait to message me with instructions/inquiries as I often fill and ship my orders very fast, often within twenty minutes after I receive the order!).
Frequently Asked Questions :
Beads - I use the same high quality glass Czech beads that Henry Diltz used, resulting in a beautiful finished product. The beads that I use in this recreation are slightly larger than what was around Jim's neck. Since I recreated this necklace in 2010, all other bead makers have followed my lead and are also using this same size. If you would like Jim's exact replica necklace (which includes exact bead size and cord color, look up my " Jimbo Young Lion " necklace
Cord - The cord that I use is the most important part of the necklace. If too thick, the knot will not be tight enough and will come loose over time. If too thin, there's a chance of it breaking. I use 0.5mm C-LON cord that has a breaking strength of 35 lbs. This is extremely strong for a necklace as the average breaking strength of fishing line is only 20 lbs. When knotting a cord of this thickness, you get a nice, clean, tight knot that will never come loose, while at the same time incredibly strong. Cords thicker than this will not knot tight enough. Also it does not stretch over time as other materials can.
Shipping - I ship out orders extremely fast, within 24 hours or less.
Why Mojo's Beads - The combination of the highest quality Czech beads, C-LON nylon cord, super fast shipping, incredible customer service, and the great level of passion that I put into my products equates to the best quality product available anywhere worldwide.