Necklace Details
Sunstone (Oregon) – Sunstone, also called Aventurine Feldspar, has a distinct glitter called aventurescence and has long been connected with the life-giving power of the sun. It was thought to bring good fortune, abundance, and a sense of optimism to anyone who wore it. Oregon Sunstone, uniquely produced in the state’s basalt flow, contains the best Sunstone specimens the world has ever seen. Oregon Sunstone’s unique copper inclusions, not found anywhere else in the world, produce both a glittering Schiller effect and transparency that makes it highly sought as faceted gems. In fact, Tiffany and Co. purchased one of Oregon’s first Sunstone mining claims in the early 1900s. In 1987, Sunstone became the official state gemstone of Oregon. According to Native American legend, the blood of a great, wounded warrior dropped onto pieces of Oregon Sunstone, giving them shades of red and sacred power. Today, Sunstone symbolizes courage and leadership and is believed to encourage generosity and strengthen connections with others.
Pearl (Japan; Baroque and Freshwater) – Pearls have been desired around the world for more than 4,000 years and associated with the moon, wisdom, and love. Formed when a mollusk slowly coats an irritant with thousands of layers of nacre, the iridescent material responsible for pearl’s lustrous shine and organic shape, Pearls are the only gem that comes from a living creature. In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured a pearl for the very first time in Japan and in the early 1900s, pearls became a symbol of the Divine Nine Sororities and the inner strength and resilience needed for college-educated Black women to challenge discrimination. Baroque Pearls are elaborately shaped and were first used in jewelry during the Baroque Era (1600-1750). Today, Pearl is one of June’s birthstones and given as 3rd and 30th anniversary gifts.
22K Gold Vermeil (India) – 22K gold has a bright yellow hue and balances beauty with strength and resilience. Gold has been revered and coveted since ancient times, worn by royalty, and associated with the divine and sacred. This fine metal has long been connected with alchemy and reminds us of our innate potential for transformation and enlightenment. Gold is given as a 50th anniversary gift.