Silicon Opal Cloud + Moonstone Necklace

A little bit strange, wildly sparkly, and completely one of a kind.

The centerpiece of this necklace is a material my lapidary calls “Silicon Opal.” It begins with shell that is cut to expose its beautifully textured interior, then treated with an opal-like material that creates an intensely iridescent surface. My lapidary cuts these pieces into organic cloud shapes, and I buy them directly from him each year in Tucson. They've become a recurring (and much-loved) part of the Mend line.

And this one is spectacular. In the sun, the surface absolutely comes alive, flashing electric blues, greens, silvers, and rainbow color as it moves.

I built the entire necklace around that cloud by hand. A faceted moonstone sits beside it in its own hinged sterling silver setting, allowing the stone to move independently from the centerpiece. Tiny labradorite beads are incorporated into the chain for another subtle bit of flash.

The sterling silver chain is completely hand-fabricated, link by link, giving the necklace an organic quality you simply don't get from manufactured chain. A substantial sterling silver lobster clasp can hook into different links, so the necklace can be worn at its full 18" length or adjusted shorter.

And tucked onto the back is a little reminder to "Dream Huge"! Sometimes the back matters just as much as the front.

Details

• Shell with iridescent opal-like treatment, known by my lapidary as “Silicon Opal”
• Faceted natural moonstone
• Labradorite accent beads
• Hand-fabricated sterling silver chain
• Hand-fabricated sterling silver stone settings
• Hinged moonstone setting
• Large sterling silver lobster clasp
• Adjustable up to approximately 18"
• “DREAM HUGE” stamped on the reverse
• Oxidized finish
• One of a kind

Handmade by Mend Metalworks in my home studio on the Western Slope of Colorado.