The inspiration:
The deep green of pines in winter, set against the soon-to-melt ice and snow. Set with a rich, opaque emerald and an ethereal moss agate, this late winter/early spring inspired amulet conjures the quietly growing energy of spring.

The materials:
An opaque, deep forest green emerald with an unusual cut and a luminous rose cut moss agate quietly float together in shadow and light. This luminous recycled silver construction is paired with a delicate 20" sterling silver chain with adjustability at 16” and 18”.

The history:
More than 2000 years ago, emerald’s brilliance inspired Pliny the Elder to write “nothing greens greener”. This most famous member of the beryl family has been inspiring humans ever since; its radiant, true green evoking lush, verdant landscapes that comfort the soul and ease weary eyes. Mined throughout Africa and South America, emeralds boast brilliant green coloration often flecked with natural inclusions referred to as the “jardin” (garden) of the emerald. From the treasure chests of Cleopatra to Catherine the Great to Elizabeth Taylor, emeralds have symbolized luxury, majesty and enchantment, set into some of the world’s most important and enduring designs. Once thought to grant the wearer eloquence, intelligence and luck, we now see the promise of spring in emerald’s hue as the celebrated birthstone for May babies.

Agate has been one of the most important creative materials throughout human history, its use dating as far back as 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.

Moss agate looks like a terrarium stone, but doesn't actually contain any moss. Inclusions of manganese or iron create a rich green landscape that seems to float, suspended in a translucent, glowing agate background. It has traditionally been considered a talisman of gardeners and farmers, promoting the ability to grow and nurture new endeavors, and attracting wealth and abundance in all forms.

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 dual bezel and prong setting frames the brilliant greens of the emerald and moss agate against shadow and light. The faceted emerald is set flat side down for a sparkling, rose-cut look, held in a simple bezel against a polished backplate with a touch of patina for depth and contrast. The ethereal rose-cut hexagon cut moss agate is set in a minimal, airy prong setting so that its translucent wonder can be enjoyed from both sides. A tiny silver sprout curls from the upper edge, creating a hook that connects this setting to the emerald's, while a single sprout hugs the bottom edge of the stone alongside 4 polished claws that secure the stone to its frame. A pair of silver sprouts extend from the top of the emerald's setting, curling to create a bail that connects the pendant to its chain. The delicate, sterling silver chain is finished with a sterling silver lobster-claw clasp and faceted green tourmaline beaded clasps at 16” (41 cm), 18” (46 cm) and 20” (51 cm).

The details:

• Pendant height: 38 mm

• Pendant width: 15 mm

• Stone cut & size: faceted emerald (reverse set as in a rose-cut style), 7 × 9 mm

• rose-cut moss agate hexagon 10 x 12 mm

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

• Recycled components: silver pendant construction

• Stone source: emerald - a gift from a friend, part of my personal collection for many years

• moss agate - NikMak, Montreal, 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!