Iolite Wire Wrapped Chain

This one-of-a-kind natural iolite necklace combines tiny faceted cubes with hand-wrapped Argentium sterling silver for a subtle, beautifully textured everyday chain.

• Materials: Natural iolite and solid Argentium sterling silver
• Stone size: 4 mm faceted cubes
• Length: 17"
• Weight: 22 grams
• Chain: Individually wire-wrapped gemstones connected with 4 mm sterling silver links
• Closure: Heavyweight handmade toggle clasp
• Silver hallmark: 940 with unicorn logo
• Stones are natural and untreated
• One of a kind + ready to ship

I was really excited when I got these stones because the colors are so soft and beautiful. They have a natural variation that moves through denim blue, violet and soft lavender-gray, with some stones going very pale and others showing deeper burgundy tones. The color variation is subtle, and I especially love the way it blends with the sterling silver. Instead of looking like a silver chain with obvious little splashes of color, the silver and stones almost flow into one another in shades of silver, gray, blue and violet.

The stones are tiny 4 mm faceted cubes, so even at this small size they have a little bit of sparkle and translucency when the light catches them. It gives the necklace beautiful detail up close without making it feel dressy or overdone. This is one of those pieces that was difficult to capture in photographs because so much of what makes it special is subtle—the little flashes of light, variations in color and movement are much easier to appreciate in person.

I was also excited that the drill holes in these small gemstones were large enough for me to use a heavier wire than I normally could with a 4 mm stone. Instead of simply wrapping the wire at the top and bottom, I added a decorative spiral that comes down and around each cube. Once all of the individual components were finished, I staggered the direction of the wraps as I connected them so there is something interesting to see from every angle as the necklace moves.

Because the stones are small, I kept the pattern tight and substantial, separating each wire-wrapped cube with just a 4 mm round silver link. I also created a subtle ombré effect with the natural colors, moving from darker stones into paler ones and then back again, mirroring the pattern on each side. It’s subtle, but it gives the color a beautiful flow all the way around the necklace.

I finished the piece with a substantial handmade Argentium sterling silver toggle. I love this as an everyday necklace, it’s understated and incredibly wearable from a distance, but the closer you look, the more you see all of those tiny faceted stones, natural color variations and individual wire-wrapped details.