Tones of blue and green echo sea and land in this lovely jasper cabochon pendant necklace. The frame and prong setting allows for maximum reveal of subtle detail and color of this beautiful earth stone.

For the bale, (the component that connects the pendant to the chain) I created a dimensional triangle out of sterling silver sheet metal. The process is called hollow form construction; a one dimensional square of silver sheet metal is fabricated in such a way that when that when it’s folded over to create a triangle shape, it becomes dimensiona. The outcome is different everytime and I find it magical to make hollowforms. This design choice allows the chain to run through the triangular bale and connect to the pendant. A lobster claw clasp secures the box chain at the back of the necklace.

All materials are sterling silver.

Terms of interest for the curious:

BALE: a critical jewelry component often a metal loop or clasp that is used to attach a pendant, charm or stone to a necklace or chain. It sits at the top of the pendant, allowing it to hang properly, move freely and connect seamlessly to the chain. Bales also act as decorative elements, sometimes featuring gems. or intricate designs.

CABOCHON (pronounced cab-uh shon) is defined a a stone or other material that has been shaped and polished as opposed to a faceted stone. It generally has a domed top, a walled side and a flat bottom. Known as “cabs” they are usually opaque or translucent and know for highlighing color, pattern or special effects.

JASPER an opaque impure variety of microcrystalline quartz (silica) that forms in distinct bands, nodules or filling fissures in sedimentary and volcanic rocks. It is often referred to as a “micro granular” or cryptocrystalline” mineral, meaning its quartz crystals are too small to be seen without high magnification. Jasper comes in a wide variety of opaque colors, including red, yellow brown green and occasionally blue.