The inspiration:
The magic of fire, where the eruption of flame is born bright blue below the yellow-orange above. Tiny granulated details, each one hand-applied, glow like sparks against the darkness beyond.

The materials:
A beautifully cut marquise labradorite flashes with bright aqua and royal blue fire, glowing from a recycled sterling silver, flame-shaped setting that glitters with tiny granulation details. Thanks to this stone, and the painstaking process of creating granuated designs, this pendant is truly one-of-a-kind.

The history:
The ancients believed that labradorite was fragments of the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) that had fallen to earth, and as such it represented the place where the earth and and the unseen realms of the universe met. It has long been believed to be symbol of intuition, guidance and protection. Named after the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, where it was found on the Isle of Paul, near Nain in 1770, labradorite is now found globally, including Norway, Finland, Russia, Mexico, Madagascar, India and Australia. It is a member of the feldspar mineral family and has been used as a decorative and jewellery material since the 1800s, becoming an important ingredient in early glass and ceramic production to increase the strength and durability of finished pieces.

The process:
I have recycled 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. The glossy, highly polished labradorite is set against a solid, polished backplate for stability while the stone is neatly set in a simple, shining bezel. Petals of flame extend above, outlined by a fine chain of tiny, sparkling silver beads, painstakingly applied one after another, glowing against a deep patina. A small silver ring above connects the pendant to its chain with 2 silver jump rings. The necklace is finished with a sterling silver lobster-claw clasp and facetted black spinel beaded clasps at 16” (41 cm), 18" (46 cm) and 20" (51 cm) for adjustability.

The details:

• Pendant height: 36 mm

• Pendant width at its widest point: 18 mm

• Stone cut & size: marquise cut, natural labradorite cabochon, approximately 22 mm h x 10 mm w (at widest point), 5 mm deep (including the setting)

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

• Recycled components: silver pendant construction and details

• Stone source: Adonai Gems, 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!