Ammolite n Herkimer Diamond Pendant in Sterling S

This gorgeous, pendant is composed of a colorful Canadian ammolite triplet cabochon, lovingly cradled in antiqued Sterling silver wire with sparkling Herkimer diamonds cascading down from the bail and set in solid Sterling silver beads and bead caps. The wire was oxidized naturally with egg yolk, polished, and sealed with clear lacquer to protect the aged finish of the piece and resist tarnish. The pendant comes suspended on an 18" Sterling silver chain and measures 64x41x24mm (2.5" x 1.6" x 0.9"). The ammolite features primarily red-orange color shifts with a skin-like texture sealed beneath a layer of clear resin, to preserve it for many years to come.

*This pendant has been price-reduced to compensate for damage to the cabochon. After the wire-work was complete and during the oxidation process, an air bubble formed between the resin and ammolite. This air bubble is visible as a discolored patch near the top of the ammolite cabochon.

Ammolite is an opalized form of fossilized ammonite shell, found along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in the United States & Canada. The iridescent color of ammolite comes from interference with the light that rebounds from stacked layers of thin platelets that make up aragonite, the primary mineral in the shell. The thicker these layers, the more red and green colors are visible. This particular stone has the characteristic "dragon skin" texture. This suggests it originated from a relatively shallow deposit where it was periodically subjected to sun bleaching and frost shattering which causes the ammolite surface to flake.

Ammonites are extinct marine molluscs, most closely related to modern octopi, squids and, to a lesser extent, nautiloids. The word, “ammonite”, was inspired by the spiral shape of their shells. Originally, they were called ammonis cornua ("horns of Ammon") because this Egyptian god was typically depicted wearing ram's horns. It is thought ammonites inhabited ancient shallow seas and succumbed to the same mass extinction responsible for the demise of the dinosaurs.

Herkimer diamonds are double-terminated (pointy at both ends) quartz crystal found in exposed outcrops of dolostone in and around Herkimer County, New York and the Mohawk River Valley. While such double-terminated crystals may also be found in other parts of the world, crystals originating in New York are known for their extreme clarity.

This piece comes in a luxurious, black velvet jeweler's box, contained in a cardboard outer shell (so you can wrap the box without damaging the velvet); perfect for gift-giving! This is an heirloom-quality piece you can treasure for many years to come! This ships fully-insured and with international tracking, for your convenience and peace of mind.

*Buy it at: heatherjordanjewelry.com