I fell in love with this fortification agate when I first saw it. At first glance it is subtle, with soft browns and blues on the bottom, and the white circles on top. But the more you look at it the more dramatic it really is. I saw a tundra, with blue hills in the distance and a ringed moon rising. I knew immediately how I wanted to set it - I wanted to accentuate the "moon" rings with layers of silver. I did this, antiqued it and polished it so the antiquing helps the layers really stand out. Since this is a tundra image, I cut a snow owl behind the stone. The back is sterling silver, the bezel and decorative layers on top are fine silver (.999). The bezel is hand cut and riveted.
The lapidary work on this fascinating agate from Arizona is by Clint Gardner of Stoneviews.
SIZE: This pendant is abuot 2 inches long and 1 1/8 inch wide at its widest (top).
MATERIALS: Arizona fortification agate, sterling silver, fine silver
PROPERTIES OF STONES (information compiled from various sources): Agate is said to strengthen the body and mind as well as promote courage. and is supposed to facilitate the ability to discern truth.
This is an original piece of jewelry designed and handcrafted by Barbara Kay Bureker in my SW Washington studio. All work and images ©2014-2023 by Barbara Kay Jewelry.
