The inspiration:
An early morning hike through a spring forest. Tiny botanical details; unfurling ferns, the germination of seeds, the cycles of spring and summer wrought in sterling silver and the most perfect green gem.

The materials:
This glowing green chrysoprase is framed in a sterling silver setting with a subtle shadow box effect, punctuated by tiny silver beads. The back of this pendant is open so that the gemstone receives maximum light to enhance its gorgeous colour.

The history:
All colours of chalcedony are said to be symbolic of fellowship and good will, patience and generosity. It is a microcrystalline variety of quartz that has been favoured as a gem since the Bronze age. Like other notable forms of microcrystalline quartz like jasper, agate. carnelian and chalcedony, this durable, vitreous stone was also fashioned into tools that could hold a sharp edge, or carved into wares and decorations with a high degree of detail. While less common than chalcedony, carnelian and bloodstone (a type of jasper) chrysoprase was occasionally carved into intaglios for use in jewellery such as signet rings that were used to stamp wax seals, as wax doesn't stick to the surface.

The process:
I have recycled some 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 then using this newly reclaimed silver to create my work. The perfect green chrysoprase is set in a simple bezel with an open backplate so that light can enter from both sides. An outer frame of wire creates a subtle shadow box effect, detailed with tiny sparkling silver beads set between the stone and the frame. A dark patina sets off both the stone and the surrounding beads. A soldered ring connects the pendant to its chain, and the necklace is finished with a sterling silver lobster-claw clasp and facetted green tourmaline beaded clasps at 16” (41 cm), 18" (46 cm) and 20" (51 cm) for adjustability.

The details:

• Pendant diameter: 15 mm

• Stone cut & size: round cut, natural chrysoprase cabochon, 9 mm diameter, approximately 3 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 (backplate) and bead details

• Stone source: Pierre Rouge, Marieville, 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!