ArtFire

The stunning agate pendant, cheerful mother of pearl shell and Swarovski crystals used to create this handmade necklace reminded me of a beautiful sunflower - which is why I named the necklace MIRASOL! A perfect Spring and Summer necklace, it is one that definitely will be noticed and commented on for its unique, one of a kind (OOAK) quality. MIRASOL would make a wonderful Mothers Day gift for the woman who appreciates handmade jewelry. The necklace was carefully created by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs.

The highlight of MIRASOL is the exquisite agate pendant with the partial natural sunflower design in it. Mother Nature truly is astounding in her artistry! As you can see in the photos, the majority of the pendant is made up of opaque white and translucent areas with an orangey-brown line running in a half circle. When light hits the pendant at just the right angle, the pendant sparkles - an added bonus! Be sure to check out photo #6 since I took that photo using a black background - you can see the lovely crystal structure of the agate in more detail. The pendant is connected to the main part of the necklace by an oval sterling silver jump ring

To help highlight the colored line that runs through the pendant, I choose shiny mother of pearl shell dyed in a luscious topaz color. What a cheerful color it is! The hexagon shape of the mother of pearl shell also makes the necklace stand out from the crowd. As is normal with mother of pearl shell, one side of each bead is usually a shade lighter than the flip side. The difference on these mother of pearl shell beads is very slight, if at all.

To add a bit of sparkle to MIRASOL, I added six faceted 6mm "topaz" Swarovski crystal bicones, three on each side of the necklace. They are a perfect complement to the color of the mother of pearl shell. Swarovski crystals are considered the standard by which all man-made crystals are compared - they have flash like no others.

Each component in the necklace are separated by 2mm sterling silver beads. MIRASOL was crimped with sterling silver crimp tubes to a sterling s-clasp. Sterling bead covers where used over the crimps to mimic a 3mm bead - a perfect finish to the necklace.

Agate is used to help ease stressful situations, protect against danger and promote strength and healing. Mother-of-pearl is believed to stimulate intuition, sensitivity and imagination; additionally, it symbolizes faith and charity. Man-made crystals carry the energies of transformation, rebirth and communication. Silver is the metal of love and healing.

Here is the important information for MIRASOL:
Agate pendant: app. 50mm x 28mm x 7mm
Mother of pearl hexagons: app18mm x 15mm x 3mm
Swarovski crystals: 6mm "topaz" faceted bicones
Metal: sterling silver
Clasp: s-clasp; sterling silver
Length: app. 18"/45.7cm
Pendant drop: app. 2"/5.1 cm

MIRASOL will come with two informational drop tags: one with the piece's name; the other lists the materials used in the necklace and the language of the stones and metals.

There will never be another necklace like MIRASOL - it is truly a one of a kind creation. Just think, when you buy MIRASOL, you will be the only person in the universe with it!

***Please be aware that not all monitors show colors exactly the same. The colors of the items used to create my jewelry are extremely close to the actual color on my monitor. The colors may appear lighter or darker on your monitor.

Shadow Dog Designs
Unique Handmade Jewelry
for the Discriminating Woman

I was rummaging through a bowl of stone pendants at my favorite bead store, Western Traders in Las Cruces, NM, when I found the pendant and was smitten at it sunflower design. The mother of pearl shell beads are a perfect match, along with the topaz Swarovski crystals.

"Mirasol" is a term used for an annual sunflower that is grown throughout much of North America for its seeds.

agate pendant; mother of pearl hexagons; "topaz" 6mm Swarovski crystal faceted bicones; sterlin g silver 2mm beads, jump rings, crimps, crimp covers, and s-clasp; 49 strand jewelers wire

Carefully handmade in a pet friendly, smoke free studio (: