The dark, opulent colors of this necklace and the single pyrite leaf evoke the shimmers and shadows of a moonlit forest. The contrasting shapes and sizes of the blue tiger's eye, pyrite, antiqued brass, and “black star” beads create texture, motion and visual interest. This one of a kind necklace is hand-knotted on silk, and a sturdy brass flower-shaped S-hook clasp finishes the piece.
The leaf pendant is approximately 2 inches long, and the necklace is roughly 21 inches including the clasp. The blue tiger’s eye beads are 14mm in diameter. The mottled gold and black beads are made of a material that is sold under the trade name “black star jasper.” I am not sure what this mystery material is; it is not a true jasper and may be a manmade composite. Regardless, it is beautiful.
Disclosure: Please note that the display mannequin in the photo is about half-human scale; the necklace has been draped around the back of the mannequin to simulate how the necklace would hang. Please refer to the other photos for a picture of the entire necklace and an indication of scale. Brass is not hypoallergenic and those prone to skin irritation should consider one of my pieces using sterling silver or vermeil findings. Like all silk knotted necklaces, care should be taken not to get this necklace wet, and it should be stored flat. Like all of my jewelry, this necklace is not intended for use by persons under 13.
About the stones:
Tiger eye is a member of the quartz family, comprised of silicon dioxide (quartz) heavily included with croicidolite, an iron and sodium mineral otherwise known as asbestos. Croicidolite is naturally blue green, and it often dissolves out of the tiger’s eye, leaving iron oxide behind and resulting in gold or reddish tiger’s eye. Blue tiger’s eye or hawks-eye occurs when some croicidolite remains. Tiger iron is tiger eye in iron-rich matrix. For some fascinating background on tiger eye, check out this article: http://technology.infomine.com/articles/1/210/gem.tiger.eye/tigers-eye.yesterdays.diamond.aspx.
Often called “fool’s gold,” pyrite is disulfide of iron and cubic crystals are found in iron-rich igneous and metamorphic rock world-wide. The name pyrite comes from the Greek word "pyr", meaning fire, because pyrite struck with an iron hammer gives off sparks.
In folklore, pyrite is associated with wealth and is supposed to strengthen the mind (perhaps so you can distinguish pyrite from gold!)
