This prehistoric Elrathia kingii (species) trilobite fossil was extracted from a mortality plate; a slice of shale, in which multiple organisms perished, nearly half a billion years ago. Trilobites were among the earliest animals to appear on Earth and now you can wear this exquisite piece of natural history.
This fossil was wrapped in solid Sterling silver wire, with three blue kyanite stones, set in delicate herringbone weaves. The wire was oxidized to bring out the texture of the weave, then hand-polished and laquered to an aged finish. Luscious, silver coils and weaves frame the fossil in this modern piece of wearable art! The entire pendant measures 41x28x11mm (1.6" x 1.1" x 0.4") and comes suspended on your choice of chain.
The original mortality plate from which this fossil was extracted, came from the Wheeler Shale, located in Millard County, near Antelope Springs, Utah. Trilobites disappeared from the face of the Earth in a mass extinction that occurred approximately 250 million years, just prior to the rise of the earliest dinosaurs in the fossil record. Trilobites evolved on Earth approximately 540 million years ago. Unlike most fossils of it's kind, the "cheeks" on this fossil remain intact.
This piece comes in a luxurious, black velvet jeweler's box, contained in a cardboard outer shell (so you can wrap the box without damaging the velvet); 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 and signed by the artist; photo of the piece and materials are listed on the reverse side of the card.