Raw Tourmaline Pendant Necklace

This one of a kind handmade Argentium Sterling Silver necklace features a stunning 16 carat raw Brazilian green tourmaline crystal, set against polished silver to bring out its beautiful blue green color and natural translucency.

• Materials: Argentium Sterling Silver and raw Brazilian green tourmaline
• Tourmaline: 16 carats, natural rough crystal, uncut and unfaceted
• Pendant width: Approximately 1.5 inches (39 mm)
• Pendant height: 0.9 inches (22.5 mm), including bail
• Chain length: Adjustable to any length up to 17 inches
• Chain: Hand fabricated oval Argentium Sterling Silver links, approximately 6 x 4 mm each
• Closure: Lobster clasp that fastens into any chain link
• Bail opening: Approximately 4.5 mm
• Total weight: 20.7 grams, including pendant and chain
• Finish: Polished silver backplate with linear hammered texture around the pendant and bail
• Availability: One of a kind, includes handmade chain

I found this beautiful raw tourmaline crystal at the Tucson Gem Show, where I hand selected it from a large collection of rough green tourmaline from Brazil. What caught my attention was its gorgeous translucent blue green color, somewhere between a rich green and a watery aqua. The crystal has never been cut or faceted. This is exactly how it came from the earth.

One of my favorite things about this necklace is what happens when the tourmaline sits against the polished silver backplate. Light passes through the translucent crystal, reflects off the silver behind it, and travels back through the stone. The effect is incredible. The color becomes so much more vibrant, and as you move the pendant, it almost looks like you're peering into a reflecting pool of water.

I wanted the silverwork to complement the natural shape of the crystal rather than overpower it. I traced the outline of the stone onto a sheet of Argentium Sterling Silver, carefully sawed out the shape, and added a linear hammered texture around the edges. I then secured the crystal with straight silver wire prongs, allowing its beautiful rough formation to remain the focus.

The long tubular bail has that same hammered texture. I chose these linear details to echo the natural striations and elongated crystal structure of the tourmaline, creating a connection between the stone and the silverwork.

After trying the pendant with several different chains, I realized I wanted to make something specifically for this piece. I hand fabricated the entire chain from Argentium Sterling Silver wire, forming each oval link individually, joining the links, welding them closed, and shaping them. The elongated links continue the same design elements found in the pendant.

What I especially love about this chain is its versatility. The lobster clasp can fasten into any link, so you can wear the necklace close to the neck as a choker or at any length up to 17 inches. The pendant can also be removed if you'd like to wear it on another chain, although the handmade chain is included and is not sold separately.

This is a truly one of a kind piece, from the untouched natural tourmaline crystal to the individually fabricated silver links. I love how all the details work together, but that incredible glowing green crystal is what makes this necklace so special.