This is an African amethyst beaded necklace with two 18k yellow gold Crownwork® finials and two amphoras on oxidized silver olive chain with small lilypad clasp. Oxidized silver has a beautiful historic feel for jewelry ( think Austro-Hungarian empire ) and is a wonderful contrast to gold so for necklaces it looks rich and strong. When its oxidized really polished black, the stone pops with rich saturated color and look luxurious. The design inspiration for the finials are the Moores in Spain. It’s my translation of the columns in the Alluhumbra Palace. The design is a very old world form that fits jewelry perfectly and I use it in many configurations throughout the collection. The lilypad clasp is a way for me to finish a piece of jewelry with a personal design touch. The clasp is very safe and easy to open and close. Its something that shows the true nature of the piece being made by hand not manufactured.
Amethysts forms in a long prismatic crystals in geodes or hollow rocks. These geodes form when there are cavities in volcanic rock. As the rock cools, the mineral-saturated water, gases and volcanic material distil and crystallize. When these crystals harden, they form amethyst.The word ‘amethyst’ comes from the Greek word amethystos, which means sober and alludes to the idea of maintaining a solid, sober mindset. The properties of Amethyst have been known to increase nobility, spiritual awareness, balance, and communication. It is also the birthstone for February and the traditional wedding anniversary present for 6 years.
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