Fossilized Coral Iron Wood Pod Necklace

About the Piece

If you have been following my journey for some time, you likely know I am a bit of a nature nerd. Forever fascinated and inspired by my forest finds. This necklace had been an idea of mine for over four years. During a trip to Hawaii we were hiking in Waimanu Valley, one of the most beautiful hikes I have experienced in my life. We came to a section of the trail where we were surrounded by beautiful Iron Wood trees. The ground in this section of the forest was covered in thousands of little pine cone like pods. I thought the patterning and texture of them was so unique and interesting I decided to collect a few to bring home with me and hoped to make them into wearable pieces of art. I brought home a couple variations in size because they were so different despite being from the same tree. I came to find these were not pine cones at all, but instead a warty-cone like fruit which contained the tree's seeds. To create this necklace, I sawed one of the larger cones in half so that it would sit flat and the beautiful geometry of the seed would be the focal point of the piece of jewelry. I chose to pair it with a fall colored, Fossilized Coral cabochon because the small geometric patterns within the coral mimic with geometry within the pod. The unique pendant hangs stationary from an oxidized sterling silver chain and is adjustable between 18”-19”.

A note on these magnificent specimens; Fossil coral is a natural gemstone that is created when prehistoric coral is gradually replaced with agate. Corals are marine animals and it is their skeletons that are fossilized and preserved. The fossil forms through hardened deposits left by silica rich waters. This entire process takes over 20 million years. 

Specs

• Materials: Fossilized Coral and .925 sterling silver
  
  
• One of a kind piece of art
  
  
• Handmade in my tiny, mobile, studio
  
  
• Measurements:
  
  
  • Pendant: 2” long by 1 1/8” wide
    
    
  • Chain: Adjustable 18”-19" long
    
    
• Secured with a lobster clasp
  
  
• Created with sustainably sourced gemstones and recycled metals
  
  
• Slightly matted finish
  
  
• All purchases come in a jewelry box made from recycled materials, wrapped in natural ribbon, and packaged in compostable mailing materials