The pendant on this piece reminds me of one of the Easter Island heads, or perhaps the equally mysterious Olmec heads that have been found in central America and Mexico. In keeping with an “island theme” I have strung this strange little face with black lava and sea urchin beads.
This necklace is hand-knotted on tan silk with black lava beads and beads that have been carved from sea urchin spines. The clasp is solid copper, probably from Bali. This necklace is just short of 18 inches long, I could add some chain to extend it upon request.
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. Copper 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: silk will stretch over time. Like all of my jewelry, this necklace is not intended for use by persons under 13.
About the Stones:
Agate is a form of silicon dioxide (quartz) and is usually formed as nodules in volcanic deposits. Its characteristic banding and translucency distinguishes it from related stones in the chalcedony family. Agate is a hard stone, with a Mohs hardness of 7. Agates are supposed to make excellent “worry stones.”
Lava is molten rock expelled from a volcano during an eruption. Often the force of the eruption is so powerful that the resulting stone is full of air bubbles; some lava will even float on water! The chemical composition of lava depends heavily on the volcano it came from.
Sea urchins are small ocean creatures related to sand dollars and starfish. They are covered with spines that are used in self defense, which are, in some species, venomous. They feed mainly on algae. Beads are made from the thick, blunt spines of pencil sea urchins, which are harmless to humans. Some of these spines are as long and thick as a human finger, and are often found washed up on beaches.
