Sterling Silver Large Opal Shell & Pearl Pendant
Sterling Silver Large Opal Shell & Pearl Pendant
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A large Australian opalized shell* with a green multicolor flashfire fashions a freeform shape with a freshwater seed pearl accent. It is set into a sterling silver pendant that looks great on either a cord or a chain. (The chain in the photos is a sterling silver 1.25 mm spiga chain and is sold separately.) The pendant is approximately 1 inch (2.7 cm) wide by 1 inch (2.6 cm) tall. The opal was handcut by local artisan Bruce London and is backed with a black epoxy.
Caring for the Opals: Be sure to avoid exposing the opal to high temperature changes. Be sure to remove opal jewelry before bathing or swimming. Also when storing your opals, make sure to avoid low humidity environments like safety deposit boxes as this will potentially cause your opals to dry out and crack.
*What are opalized seashells? Essentially they are ancient shells that as they turned to fossils while buried in the sand, their environment transformed them into opals. Over 100 million years ago, the Eromanga Sea covered much of inland Australia. Many fossils are found in these ancient beds today, including opalized seashells.