Blue Chrysocolla Malachite Stone and Thai Silver Starfish Necklace
Starfish of Azure Seas:
A simple, classic design is fused together with complex azurite and malachite nuggets and an enigmatic oversize sterling silver starfish pendant in this captivating one-of-a-kind necklace. This radiant sea-inspired piece of jewelry perfectly captures a virgin island image of beautiful tropical waters under a brilliant blue sky. A great mix of glamour and exotic earthiness, this versatile necklace can be easily worn both casually and elegantly. And although having an overall tropical, summery feel, the deeper blues and antique nature of the starfish and brass add a significance and depth that make this art to wear necklace able to be worn all year round.
Stunning in both size and artistry, the fascinating starfish is made completely by hand from .99 sterling silver. It is made by the Karen Hill Tribes in the remote mountain areas of Thailand using centuries-old traditional methods. The Hill Tribes have only become known for their beautiful silver work over the past decade. Before then, they made most of their income from opium sales, but with government support, the growth of their silver industry has given them a better way of life. The Hill Tribes consist of about 20 different tribes, including the Karen, the Hmong, and the Yao. Every member of the family becomes involved in the creation of the silver beads. The silver is melted down with torches, poured into molds, and then shaped by a long process of tapping. The beads are hammered and etched, or sculpted into shapes, often emulating natural objects including insects, ocean life and flowers. The distinctive styling has an earthy, handmade, artistic look and being completely handmade, no two pieces are the same. Much of the silver they use is 99%, higher than sterling silver which is 92.5%.
Eye-catching and dramatic, the striking blue stones are handcut into freeform nuggets from azurite and malachite. The electric blue beads are azurite and the beads where the colors are intermingled are a unique marriage of the two stones that naturally occurs in or near copper deposits. Each one of these beads is unique, having variation in shape, color and matrixing, and I have separated them with small silver beads so they can be individually appreciated.
The addition of African brass brings about a necessary earthy element that contrasts with the modern and elegant stones and silver and complements the rugged cut of the stones and the antiquing of the starfish. This piece closes with a sterling silver S-hook clasp and can be adjusted in length from 17 to 21 inches. You may also be interested in the original and artistic Azure Shell and Seahorse Charm Bracelet made to complement this necklace.
