Prasiolite and Variscite on Handmade Chain

This one of a kind Argentium Sterling Silver statement necklace pairs natural Broken Arrow variscite with a beautifully faceted prasiolite (green amethyst) on a completely handmade chain, with your choice of two wearing lengths.

• Materials: Solid Argentium Sterling Silver, natural Broken Arrow variscite, and prasiolite
• Prasiolite: 10.75 carat oval faceted gemstone
• Pendant dimensions: Approximately 2 inches long and 1.1 inches wide
• Necklace length: Wear at either 16 or 18 inches using the two toggle rings
• Closure: Handmade toggle clasp
• Total weight: 34 grams, including the 17 gram chain
• Chain links: Approximately 7 × 4 mm, individually formed and welded closed
• Removable pendant: Accommodates chains up to approximately 5 mm wide
• Hallmark: Toggle ring stamped .940
• Availability: One of a kind, with pendant and chain sold together

I had completely different plans for my workbench when these two stones happened to catch my eye sitting near each other. Their soft green colors looked so beautiful together that I dropped those plans and spent the next two days creating this necklace.

I picked up the Broken Arrow variscite at the Denver gem show, this one stood out for its beautiful green color and contrasting brown matrix. The large oval prasiolite was a special stone I had been saving for just the right design. Its clarity and beautifully cut facets bring a completely different kind of light to the same soft green palette.

I made a substantial custom bezel for the variscite, leaving a border of silver around the stone to help protect its edges. Four silver balls that I melted and formed sit along each side, adding texture and a little extra weight to the design.

Beneath it, I created an open prong setting for the 10.75 carat prasiolite using two handmade, hammered silver ovals that echo the shape of the gemstone. The open construction leaves its faceted sides visible and allows light to reach the stone from different angles.

Once the pendant was finished, it needed a chain with enough substance to balance it. I experimented with different link sizes before settling on these handmade ovals. Each link is formed from half round silver wire, connected, and individually welded closed. The flat inner surfaces and rounded outsides give the chain a dimension I really love, even though it is a detail you might not notice right away.

I also wanted you to have a choice of lengths. The chain measures 18 inches, with a second toggle ring positioned at 16 inches. Simply fasten the toggle through the ring for your preferred length. The pendant can be removed if you would like to wear the chain on its own or pair either piece with something else in your collection.

A note about the variscite: This stone was sold to me as completely natural and untreated, without resin or wax filling. There are two tiny natural cavities within the brown matrix that have been left unfilled. I noticed them while examining the stone under magnification during setting. The stone feels smooth to the touch, and I have included close views so you can see these small details of its natural surface.