ArtFire

Genuine faceted ruby beads wire wrapped in oxidized sterling silver form a dainty 18 inch station chain necklace for this caged vintage rough, raw ruby crystal pendant by bohemian jewelry artisan Margaret Crow

If you're looking for a piece of jewelry that is both elegant and earthy, this fancifully opulent, almost medieval, necklace is an interesting choice. This thrilling little lavalliere is a study in contrast with its upscale genuine faceted pigeons blood red ruby beads against the oxidized silver wire wrapping.

The depth and intensity of the colors and primitive styling of this necklace give it the feeling of an ancient artifact. The sense of history and a mysterious air that invites daydreams of days passed long ago, days that were slower and more innocent, perhaps.

The natural vintage rough, raw Burmese ruby is very old stock from the estate of a member of the Mobile Rock and Gem Club, Dr. Albert S. Dix. Dr. Dix passed away 20 years ago and his widow, Eleanor, preserved his collection until her own death 2 years ago. There is no way of telling how long the crystal was in his possession but it was on a very old catalog card when I bought it.

I made the cage for this necklace in such a fashion that all of the crystal faces are visible. The crystal has been left as it came from nature, merely cleaned and left in its rough state, therefore the sides of the crystal are a bit bumpy and the ends are shiny with a lovely chatoyance.

I handmade the linking rings, oxidized them and used them doubled for a fluid and secure chain. I also forged the oxidized sterling silver hook and eye clasp in the same size range as the terminal beads for a fluid appearance. The clasp may be exchanged for a different size or style of handmade clasp at no extra charge. Please contact me for styles and sizes that I make.

Ruby is known as a stone of protection and healing. It has a long history of being associated with members of royalty and a pirate's dream. Precious stones such as ruby were highly valued in times past because they offered greatly concentrated wealth that could be easily concealed in turbulent times.

This necklace was inspired by the beautiful rough raw Burmese crystal that I wrapped for the pendant. The crystal presented a challenge to wrap because I wanted all of the faces to be visible, each of them has a special kind of beauty that I wanted to show.

ruby beads, ruby crystal, oxidized sterling silver

Your purchase will be sent quickly and carefully via USPS Priority Mail. All orders travel to their new home with you in a jewelry box inside a gift bag. Please send any message you'd like on the gift tag with your order.

My jewelry is entirely hand crafted from the finest materials. I stand behind my work 100% and warranty it for a lifetime(that would be my lifetime). I made it, I can fix it. I also offer a money back guarantee for the first 7 days from delivery.


I am assisting Melody MacDuffee at the Milwaukee Bead and Button Show from June 3 to June 14. All orders will ship on the morning of the 15th. Thanks for shopping with me!