The inspiration:
This perfectly-hued Aquamarine is a duality, evoking dreamy tropical warmth and stark, brilliant cold.

The materials:
Shot-through with icy inclusions, this aquamarine cabochon sits at the heart of a flaming, undulating leaf shape. Tiny silver beads sparkle against a smoky patina, and the stone has window in its backplate so that it can be enjoyed from both sides. This magical silver pendant is paired with a delicate 22" sterling silver chain with adjustability at 17” and 19”.

The history:
A member of the beryl family, aquamarine's name comes from two Latin words: aqua, meaning “water,” and marina, meaning “of the sea". Both the Greeks and the Romans believed aquamarine to be a sailor’s gem, ensuring the safe and prosperous passage across vast and stormy seas. Historically it was thought that wearing beryl quickens the mind, gives one protection against enemies and challengers, and makes the wearer gracious and good-natured. It is now celebrated as the birthstone for March, and has been embraced both as a symbolic wedding gift for a new bride and as a gift to celebrate and brighten 19 years of marriage.

The process:
I have recycled almost 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. This glorious aquamarine is framed against a darkened, flame-shaped background alight with glittering granulated details. Each tiny silver bead was applied individually, tracing lines that look like sparks against smoke. A pair of sterling silver jump rings connect the pendant to its dainty rolo chain, and the necklace is finished with a sterling silver lobster-claw clasp and faceted pale blue tourmaline beaded clasps at 17” (43 cm), 19” (48 cm) and 22” (56 cm).

The details:

• Pendant height: 33 mm

• Pendant width: 24 mm

• Stone cut & size: natural aquamarine cabochon, 15 × 20 mm

• Chain length: 22” (56 cm) total, with adjustability at 19” (48 cm) and 17” (43 cm)

• Recycled components: silver pendant construction

• Stone source: aquamarine - Pierre Rouge, Marieville, Québec

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!