The inspiration:
Underwater quiet - vernal pools - fresh green smell - hope - trees in the afternoon

The materials:
Fluid, organic tendrils of sterling wire sway against a spectacular teardrop of Tibetan turquoise, speckled with glossy pools of aqua, teal, emerald and leaf green against a satiny dark matrix. This one-of-a-kind stone is set in sculpted recycled sterling silver reclaimed and recycled by yours truly.

The history:
Turquoise, beloved for more than 3000 years of human history, has long been believed to be a talisman of health, protection and luck - especially if given by a friend. There is even an Arabic proverb that states that a turquoise given by a loving hand carries with it happiness and good fortune!

According to GIA.edu (the Gemological Institute of America) turquoise's name comes from the French expression 'pierre tourques', or “Turkish stone.” This name, used from the thirteenth century onwards, lends weight to the theory that this beautiful blue stone probably first arrived in Europe from Turkish sources. It is now considered one of the birthstones for December babies. This beautiful specimen was sourced from fellow Etsy seller NikMak Crystals in Montréal, Québec, Canada.

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 under water, botanical-inspired design features a spectacular turquoise framed by curving silver tendrils illuminated against a dark patina. The stone is neatly set in a clean-edge bezel with a solid backplate, painted with shadow to set off the stone and details, while the back of the pendant has been given a gentle patina and high polish. Tiny sterling rings connect the pendant to its lacy sterling Figaro chain, which is finished with a light-weight sterling silver lobster claw clasp and faceted turquoise beaded links at 18” (46 cm), 20” (51 cm) and 22" (56 cm) for a customizable fit.

The details:

• Pendant height: 34 mm

• Pendant width: 21 mm

• Stone cut & size: kyanite cabochon, 15 mm × 23 mm

• Chain length: 22” (56 cm) total, with adjustability at 20” (51 cm) and 18” (46 cm)

• Recycled components: silver pendant construction

• Stone source: Tibetan turquoise - NikMak Crystals, Montreal, Québec, Canada

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!