The inspiration:
The perfect impression of gentle winter's afternoon. Subtle light that breaks through, adding dimension to static surfaces, and warmth to insulated growth. A tiny quiet landscape that softly sings with life.

The materials:
A perfect landscape of rose cut moss agate, framed against a topography of recycled sterling silver paths and pebbles. This soothing silver pendant is paired with a delicate 20" sterling silver chain with adjustability at 16” and 18”.

The history:
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 extraordinary rose cut moss agate is set against a darkened background alight with gleaming wire and granulated details. The stone is neatly set in clean-edge bezel with an open backplate to allow this its beauty to be appreciated from both sides. A silver bail allows the dainty rolo chain to flow through, and the necklace 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: 30 mm

• Pendant width: 18 mm

• Stone cut & size: rose cut moss agate cabochon, 13 × 22 mm

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

• Recycled components: silver pendant construction

• Stone source: 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!