The inspiration:
An emblem of spring. This petal-shaped pendant sparkles with bright surface details against a deeply textured background that frame a fiery rose cut carnelian and soothing turquoise chrysocolla, evoking the sunshine and rain that turn winter into spring.

The materials:
A brilliant orange, glassy rose cut carnelian and muted turquoise chrysocolla are framed by linear surface details and dark hammered texture to create a petal-shaped design. This polished, tactile recycled silver construction is paired with a glimmery 26" sterling silver chain that allows you to clasp it at any length you prefer.

The history:
Carnelian in a member of the chalcedony family, long symbolic of fellowship and good will, patience and generosity. It is a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz that has been in use since the Bronze age, shaped into tools that could hold a sharp edge, or carved into decorations with a high degree of detail. Chalcedony (including carnelian) was frequently carved into intaglios for use in jewellery such as rings that were used to stamp wax seals, as wax doesn't stick to the surface. It ranges in colour from palest creamy yellow to deepest, opaque red-brown, sometimes displaying banding and cloudy inclusions.

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 detailed, graphic setting highlights the brilliant, translucent orange rose cut carnelian and smooth, muted turquoise chrysocolla against a deeply textured, darkened background set with gleaming wire surface decoration. The stones are neatly set in clean-edge bezels with a solid, polished backplates behind each (especially important to bounce lots of light through that beautiful carnelian.) An halo of silver and 2 sterling jump rings connect the pendant to its flattened rolo-style chain, which is finished with a sterling silver lobster-claw clasp and faceted carnelian beaded details. This chain measures 26" (66 cm) long, and is infinitely length-adjustable thanks to its 3.5 mm diameter links; at its full length, it is long enough to go over the head.

The details:
Pendant height: 46 mm
Pendant width: 19 mm
Stone cut & size: rose cut carnelian, 12 x 18 mm; chrysocolla cabochon, 8 mm diameter
Chain length: 26” (66 cm) total
Recycled components: silver pendant construction
Stone source: carnelian - Pierre Rouge, Marieville, Québec, chrysocolla - BeadFX, Toronto, 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!