Chrysocolla Chunks, Bone & Carnelian Necklace with Carved Ram
SKU: 1916
£575.00Price
- Sitting on the side of this chunky necklace of chrysocolla pebbles is a goat, seated like a guardian, protecting the wearer of this necklace. He is watchful, alert to protect his territory. But the goat is also a dreamer, content in the siesta of his own thoughts. So this goat is both protection and restful. The goat is also one of the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. He is 1 1/2 inches long by 1 1/4 inches wide and 22 mm deep.
- The goat is made of Tagua nut, a nut from the rainforests of South America. The seeds are grown in pods called cabezas, which come from the tagua nut palm tree. It is known as “vegetable ivory” because it resembles ivory when it is polished and carved. Chinese craftsmen, not able to carve ivory anymore, have turned to this ecological ivory.
- Flanking the goat are discs of carnelian (23 mm) and bone (27 mm) and large polished pebbles of chrysocolla (the sizes vary but the average size is 44 mm x 27 mm).
- Chrysocolla is a blue and green stone made of a unique type of copper ore. Its colour comes from the oxidation process of the copper ore, which takes on a cyan colour with extended exposure to oxygen. But the stone also contains various other minerals, which create its soft texture and porous appearance.
- Two carved bone basket-weave beads (10 mm) finish the necklace design.
- I have then knotted the silk/polyester cord with the traditional Chinese “flat knot” as well as the “button knot”. This is not only a classical Chinese technique, but it lightens the necklace and makes it quite comfortable to wear. It also sets off the design.
- I have used a vermeil toggle clasp. Toggle clasps are easy to use and secure. My silver name label is attached at the clasp.
- The necklace comes, like all my necklaces, with its own colour co-ordinated silk brocaded pouch bag, made by a Shanghai tailor.
- The necklace is 19 inches long (48 cm).
