Large Baroque Pearl Pendant on Double Sterling Chain - NEW & SOLD

Can an oyster be independent-minded? I think the darling mollusk that produced this 17mm wide by 24mm high (read as "positively massive") pearl would say Yes! The shape is highly baroque, meaning that it is highly irregular, which sounds a bit impolite considering the creativity this oyster used. With the faceted smokey quartz bead above, the pendant almost looks like a woman with a swaying gown (but maybe that's just me using my creativity). Whatever the case may be, this piece is stunning, and shall forever be one-of-a-kind as no two baroque pearls are ever quite the same. Thank goodness for culturing; there was a time not too long ago that such a pearl would cost a true fortune. Matching earrings are available below. The toggle clasp can be worn at the back or the side, and has a pretty faceted smokey quartz charm next to it. 18" long. (#N642, 3/19 J.S.) $350

Smokey Quartz Thai & Balinese Silver Pendant - NEW & SOLD

This 40 carat smokey quartz has such an interesting cut, and the natural inclusions in the stone only add to its mystery. Below it is a diamond-shaped vintage Thai silver bead. Rings of handcrafted Balinese silver separate the elements, and there is a tiny drop of faceted hematite and pyrite at the very bottom. There is a faceted smokey quartz charm by the Balinese silver toggle clasp. The uppermost ring of the pendant does allow for the chain to be separated, and worn with other pendants. The Balinese silver toggle clasp has a pretty faceted smokey quartz charm, which can be worn at the back or on the side in front. The necklace portion is 24" long, and the pendant portion is 4 1/8" long. (#N540, 12/17) $195

Red African Trade Bead 20" Pendant

As you probably know, I'm a bit of a "gem snob," but every once in a while, I can be seduced by something with great history. Starting in the 1600's, Europe produced glass beads for trade with Africa, and this red bead with white dots is one such example. With the Balinese silver accents, this pendant looks like a little festive strawberry. The hematite and black chalcedony flower charm is made with one wire (by yours truly :) -- they are a bit tricky to make, but well worth it for the added cuteness. The flower charm and clasp can be worn at the back or to the side in front. The clasp and double-ring bail are made of matching hand-crafted Balinese sterling silver. The chain is oxidized sterling silver. 20" long. (#N547) $195

Black African Trade Bead Pendant

Sometimes this style of bead is called a "skunk" bead, or a "thousand eye" bead. In Africa, it is believed that white wards off evil, so these beads are protecting the wearer in all directions. (These "eyes" just happen to be blue.) My theory on how they came to also be known as "skunk" beads is that there is a skunk-like animal in Africa called a zorilla, who, in addition to multiple stripes, does have polka dots on his head. The flower charm has a carnelian center with hematite "petals," and can be worn at the back or to the side in front. The chain is oxidized sterling silver. 18" long. (#N499) $175

Peruvian Opal & Blue Chalcedony Necklace - NEW & SOLD

"Beachy Elegance" is what I feel this necklace has. The necklace portion has 39 carats of primitively faceted Peruvian opal, 9 carats of smokey quartz, Balinese silver, and tiny faceted hematite. The 32-carat native-cut blue chalcedony pendant has Balinese silver accents (made using the same hand-crafted granulation techniques as the rest of the necklace), which give the piece an air of timelessness. Though the photos don't really show it, both the opal and the blue chalcedony glow in the colors of sea foam. Chalcedony especially has this delightful quality of being able to hold light. There is a pretty chalcedony charm by the toggle clasp. Matching earrings are available below, or on page 2 of the Earrings section. 17.75" long. Although this necklace has sold, I do plan to make a "big sister" to this piece with several blue chalcedony drops and the same Peruvian opal. (#N436, 9/26) $250

Golden Pearl Pendant on Sterling 20" Chain with Smokey Quartz - NEW & SOLD

Is it wrong to call a pearl a "behemoth?" This pearl is 13 mm wide, and somehow looks even LARGER. The length of the chain is a generous 20" which makes it quite alluring with a low V-neck, or perfectly framed with a higher collar line. I love this piece. Something about the golden color makes it less formal than white, yet mysteriously exotic, too. There is a 2.5 carat smokey quartz above the pearl, and faceted smokey quartz beads flank the toggle clasp. The oxidized silver chain and Balinese silver accents give this piece an old world look. The pendant on this necklace is 1 7/8" long, and the necklace portion is 20". (#N489, 4/19) $225

White Pearl Pendant with Balinese Silver Accents - NEW & SOLD

Pearls... always appropriate and always flattering. This large white freshwater pearl has a beautiful Balinese silver caps above it. The detail is achieved through a process called granulation, which requires a keen eye and a deft hand. The Balinese are experts at it. Smaller pearls flank the toggle clasp. A timeless classic. Necklace portion is 18" long, and the pendant is just under 1.5" overall. Though this exact piece has sold, a special order for a similar piece may be possible. (#N375, 12/27) $150

Labradorite Tribal Silver Necklace - SPECIAL ORDER

Five vintage tribal silver pieces from India combine with 236 carats of labradorite in this mysterious looking necklace. Labrodorite is in the feldspar family, just like moonstone, and has wonderful blue and green flashes of color. Tiny faceted pyrite and Balinese silver complete the design. Although this necklace has sold, I do have more of these tribal silver elements, so we have options for other necklaces. 18.75" long. (#N346) $385

"Nebula" Amethyst & Thai Silver Necklace - SPECIAL ORDER

"Nebula" means "cloud" in Latin, and each of these five stunning amethyst beads seems to hold its own piece of the galaxy. There are 193 carats of the larger amethysts, and 60 carats of the smaller amethysts; but the gemstones are only half the story. The diamond-shaped beads with them are vintage Thai silver made using a centuries-old technique that originated in Cambodia. These are getting harder to find, even since last year. Balinese silver accents are used throughout, and there is an amethyst charm by the toggle clasp. Although this necklace has sold, I do have more materials, so a similar piece may be possible. This necklace is 18.75" long. (#N286, 11/19) Approximately $225

"Deva" Necklace

"Deva" means "the shining one" in ancient Sanskrit. It usually refers to a god, but it's also fitting for a necklace comprised of intricate mirror-work. The central pendant has both Sun and Moon imagery, and the flanking pendants add drama to this stunning piece. The oval faceted beads are hypersthene, which has an internal reflection that looks so good with the vintage mirrored pendants. Carnelian echos the red of the Moon in the central pendant. Faceted pyrite flanks the side pendants to repeat the golden color of the Sun. Granulated Balinese silver accents complement the silver-work of the main pendants. There are three charms by the toggle clasp, including an old Thai silver bead with hematite. This piece will make you feel like a warrior princess, or at least make Zena raise an envious eyebrow. Definitely not for the shy. :-) 20.75" long. (N181) $450

37" Quartz & Thai Silver Necklace

This necklace has a wonderful ease and elegance about it. It can be worn long, or doubled by using the included "S" hook clasp. It has 115 carats of truly lovely faceted rock crystal quartz, tiny Balinese silver accents, and hematite accents throughout. What really makes this piece sing though are the Thai silver beads. These are new beads made using a generations-old technique of wrapping hand-stamped pure silver over a natural pine pitch core. This necklace helps to keep that art alive. There are lots and lots of photos below, and I'm sorry to say that none of them do this piece any justice at all. It has fantastic sparkle in person. Oh, also, because of its asymmetrical design, it may have been a little difficult to find the "sweet spots" where the exact back is, and where to hook in the "S" clasp. I strategically added tiny hematite charms (close-ups below), so you can find your way around - no problem. Matching earrings are available as an option, and shown with the photographs. 37" long. (N127) $395

Seven Spike Old Tribal Silver & Pearl Necklace - SPECIAL ORDER

This necklace is for the bold. Seven old tribal silver necklace elements are given new life with this "tough" take on pearls. Edgy and feminine, just like you, right? Metallic hematite and Balinese silver accents are used throughout. There is a pearl charm by the toggle clasp. Although this exact necklace has sold, special orders are available. 19" long. (#N218, 6/27) $295

Thai Silver Amethyst 7th Heaven - SOLD

The 46 carats of faceted amethysts in this necklace are exceptionally fine with a subtle graduation of size. Beautiful intense color and splendid clarity. (My monitor is showing these amethysts as more blue than they actually are. In reality, they are that perfect purple amethyst shade.) Whenever I can, I use math when designing. This necklace is a study in sevens. Seven spirals, seven stones between each spiral, and groups of seven beyond the spirals. The clasp is hand-wrought in sterling wire. This same necklace is also posted in the Silver 7th Heaven pages, where you can see other options, too. Matching earrings are available below, and on page 1 of the Earrings section. Necklace is just under 18" long. (#N107, 2/12) $325