Native Copper and Textured Sterling Talisman Pendant on Leather Cord
This extra-long pendant is full of desert textures and earthen hues. Its striking profile is unusual and very easy to wear.
This extra-long pendant is full of desert textures and earthen hues. Its striking profile is unusual and very easy to wear.
This extra-long pendant is full of desert textures and earthen hues. Its striking profile is unusual and very easy to wear.
:: Copper Desert ::
Here is a pendant featuring a beautiful native copper cabochon by Gary Wilson of Tucson, Arizona. It’s got a great luster and is offset by white crystalline inclusions that I believe are quartz, but which also may be calcite. Copper is one of those minerals that say “desert” like few other things, and is prized for its healing and conductive abilities all over the world. I’ve set it in a sterling silver bezel, framed it in silver and accented it with a textured free-form element.
Below is a link with a very ancient fossil crinoid sandwiched between two contemporary beads made with ancient walrus ivory from St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. Next comes a heat-textured reliquary box that looks like it’s been eroded and corroded by centuries on the desert floor. Then, a long wrapped link with two more ancient ivory beads, then a free-form drop of stone-textured silver.
All of these hang from a double leather cord of matte natural brown with wrapped attachments and a hook closure.
I work all of my silver by hand using the simplest tools possible. Only my Dremel hand drill is electric. Everything else is cut, shaped and refined by hand, with the wires hammered on desert rock for texture. Sheet metal and drops are textured with the torch, bringing everything to the verge of melting point (and sometimes over the verge…) for a natural, organic texture.
For desert spirits and fearless souls…
SIZE: The leather cord is 18 1/3” long in total; the pendant assemblage is 10 1/2” long. The native copper cabochon is 1 1/8” x 1 1/4”.
CARE: The patina on the metal will gradually deepen over time. You can allow it to do so or you can brighten the metal with a kitchen scrubbing pad, taking care to avoid the copper and beads. A silver polishing cloth or pad can also be used, but this will result in a brighter shine.
PACKAGING: This necklace will arrive giftwrapped in hand-decorated, Earth-friendly packaging, wrapped inside an organic cotton pouch. Please reuse or recycle the wrappings.
SHIPPING: Your talisman will be shipped via USPS Priority Mail. Shipping is always free.