This gorgeous pendant was handcrafted with a cobalt blue Canadian ammolite cabochon, lovingly cradled in Sterling silver wire with glowing, Ethiopian welo opals cascading down from the bail and set in delicate, herringbone weaves. The wire was oxidized naturally with egg yolk, then hand-polished to an aged finish to bring out the colours of the gemstones. The pendant comes suspended on your choice of Sterling silver chain and measures 30x25x17mm (1.5" x 0.9" x 0.7"). The ammolite features blue-purple shifts with a skin-like texture sealed beneath a layer of clear lacquer.
Ammolite is an opalized form of fossilized ammonite shell, found along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in the US and Canada. The iridescent color of ammolite comes from interference with the light that rebounds from stacked layers of thin platelets that make up aragonite, the primary mineral in the shell. The thicker these layers, the more red-yellow colors are visible. Thinner layers tend to be more blue-purple. This particular stone has the characteristic "dragon skin" texture. This suggests it originated from a relatively shallow deposit where it was periodically subjected to sun bleaching and frost shattering which causes the ammolite surface to flake.
This piece comes in a luxurious, black velvet box, contained in a cardboard outer shell; perfect for gift-giving.
*Coins are shown for scale and will not be included with the jewelry.
**Comes with a signed certificate of authenticity, filled in and signed by the artist; photo of the piece and materials are listed on the reverse side of the card.