The inspiration:
A serene stone that contains a waterfall within, frozen in time. Botswana agate pairs soothing, watery greys with flowing waves of white, swirling with the energy of a waterfall in a single drop.

The materials:
A transparent, soft grey agate swirling with feathery white bands glows against a frame of sparkling silver pebbles that cluster around the stone like a shoreline. The back of the pendant is open, so that this beautiful Botswana agate can be enjoyed from both sides.

The history:
Agate has been an important creative materials throughout human history, its use dating back to the Bronze age. Found all over the world, used by so many different cultures, agate has been used to make ornamental items such as jewelry and carvings, and for practical objects such as knives, seals and cups. Agate stones are even used as tools in jewellery making: an agate tipped burnisher is used to raise a mirror shine on silver. Botswana agates are named for the country where they were first found, however they are found in North America, Brazil as well as Botswana. Unlike most brightly coloured agates, Botswana agate displays a monochromatic palette of white and neutral greys that swirl in banded and feathering patterns. Like all agates, they have traditionally represented support and encouragement, and are thought to promote an optimistic outlook and belief in silver linings, but Botswana agates have an extra historical quirk: wearing one was believed to ward off spiders!

The process:
I have recycled all of the silver used to make this pendant; melting sterling scrap down to form silver ingots, flattening and drawing the silver down to plate (and sometimes wire) using hammers and my rolling mill, and then using this newly reclaimed silver to create my work. The Botswana agate is set in a simple bezel on an open backplate, to allow the stone's patterning to be appreciated from both sides. Little, flat pebbles of recycled silver sparkle around the stone's edge creating an organic frame. The pendant is finished with a bright polish and a dark patina to bring depth to the design. An arc of silver and 2 sterling jump rings connect the pendant to its chain, which is finished with a sterling silver lobster-claw clasp and 3 pale grey tourmaline beaded clasps at 16", 18" and 20" for adjustability.

The details:

• Pendant height: 30 mm

• Pendant width: 19 mm

• Stone cut & size: natural Botswana agate cabochon, approximately 13 x 18 mm

• Chain length: 20” (51 cm) total, with adjustability at 16” (41 cm) and 18” (46 cm)

• Recycled components: silver pendant construction

• Stone source: Rainbow Minerals, Ottawa, Ontario

My promise:
All of my jewelry is made by me, by hand, in my little home studio and will be shipped to you as shown, beautifully packaged and ready for gift-giving to someone special (like yourself!) I am a life-long artist and designer, and I take great care and pride in creating one of a kind jewels that evolve from my own design, emotion and inspiration, rather than trend, imitation or artifice. It means the world to me that you've witnessed my work - thank you for being here, and for shopping and supporting handmade!