The inspiration:
Made for people who always seem to have beach stones in their bag, their pockets, the cup holders in the car...a soothing memory of a pebble-strewn beach you can carry with you, but that looks great with your favourite jeans. This sodalite's blue hits somewhere between deep water and the night sky, and I was inspired to match it with a frame of smooth pebbles or shining stars, depending on your perspective.

The materials:
A glossy sodalite, deep navy blue but shot through with delicate white threads and a bolt of bright ultramarine is framed by flattened, shiny beads in this recycled sterling silver, oval shaped pendant. A deep patina sets off the deep, dark blue and contrasts the bright silver details, creating depth and drama.

The history:
Before its discovery in Greenland in 1811 by European explorers, sodalite was an important element of trade for the Caral culture in northern Peru. Named for its sodium content, sodalite wasn't considered as an ornamental gemstone until finer, more accessible deposits of the bright blue stone were discovered across Ontario and Québec. With an intense blue similar to lapis, it became a favourite for ornamentation and jewellery design, as well as a symbolic stone for writers, communicators and athletes. Sodalite was thought to improve confidence, communication and endurance for the wearer, and its peaceful blue hue with white calcite markings speaks of the sky, the ocean, the universe and the subconscious...still waters running deep.

The process:
I have recycled much of the silver used to make this pendant; melting sterling scrap down to form silver ingots, flattening and drawing the silver down to plate using hammers and my rolling mill, and use this newly reclaimed silver to create my work. This horizontal oval design is detailed with flattened, textured and polished "beach pebbles" made from recycled silver, that cluster around the simple, shiny bezel. A subtle arc of silver wire above connects the pendant to its chain, while a deep patina creates depth amongst the pebbles and contrasts the polished silver high-points. The wide, oval shaped sodalite cabochon is neatly set in a simple, polished bezel against a solid backplate for strength and stability. This pendant hangs from a 20” (21 cm) long, sterling silver diamond-cut rolo chain, with blue sapphire beaded clasps at 16” (41 cm), 18” (46 cm) and 20” (51 cm) for a custom fit. It is finished with a sterling silver lobster-claw clasp. A longer or shorter chain option is available, simply convo me for more details.

The details:

• Pendant height: 28 mm

• Pendant width: 31 mm

• Stone cut & size: cabochon, oval sodalite, 18 x 25 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!