Chrysocolla Necklace Complements Antique Silver Knot Pendant
SKU: 1853
£550.00Price
- As soon as I add an antique piece, the necklace takes on an enriched charm. This antique (circa 1860) Victorian (could it be anything else?) sterling silver knot pendant has been subtly etched, but one needs to look for the detail. Again, that is a Victorian trait: detail for the sake of intricate craftsmanship, without the need to show it off. This silver knot pendant (2 inches wide (5 cm) by 11/2 inches high (4 cm), was originally a brooch which I had altered to a pendant.
- The Victorians loved symbolism, and the knot was no exception. It was often thought of as a “lovers knot” which being tightly tied, could not be untied. In other words, there is a “forever” implication about the Victorian knot. In any case, the knot is a stunning device.
- The sterling silver knot hangs on a necklace of chrysocolla cylinders (18 mm 25.9 mm) which are punctuated by natural grey agate discs (15 mm) and vintage, handmade silver on hardened resin beads (14 mm) from Afghanistan.
- These vintage, traditionally made beads from Afghanistan are like the gold Afghan beads, which are crafted in the same manner, taking sheets of pure silver and forming it over hardened resin, a technique the Afghans have perfected over centuries.
- 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.
- A silver toggle clasp has been used because toggle clasps are easy to use and secure. My silver name label is attached at the clasp. The clasp has been made by the Karen hill tribes, of twisted silver to create a rope design.
- 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 18 inches long (46 cm) with a 1 1/4 inch pendant drop (3 cm).
