This outstanding Necklace showcases a Chrysocolla-Malachite and Sterling Silver Thunderbird Pendant by Nevada Silversmith Jim Daggett. Chrysocolla-Malachite is a beautiful combination of Chrysocolla, a copper silicate, and Malachite, a copper carbonate, and both are gemstone quality stones. Our stone is from Arizona; it displays a swirling pattern of blue, green and golden brown. It is set on 2 plates of Sterling Silver, with the lower plate oxidized and the upper plate crafted to form the Thunderbird's head, wings and tail feathers. The oxidation brings the patterns into high relief. The Thunderbird is polished to a glossy luster, contrasting beautifully with the patterned stone. The piece drapes from a Sterling Silver Ring Bail, and is etched on the back with the artist's name and "925" (925 Sterling Silver). This is a beautiful and meticulously crafted piece.
We've matched the Thunderbird Pendant with 5 strands of Turquoise Rondelles. The 4mm Rondelles are subtly rounded on all edges, but are similar to high-cut Heishi. The color is striking - a blend of vivid blue and blue-green with golden brown matrix. It harmonizes beautifully with the Chrysocolla-Malachite stone. The Turquoise is paired with 4mm bronze Czechoslovakian Nailheads, 2-by-4mm blue Crystal Discs, 4mm Aqua-Picasso 3-Cut Matubo Glass Cylinders, and turquoise-colored Glass Seed Beads. These elements add translucency and color depth to the design. The stones are highlighted by ten 4-by-6mm Sterling Silver Feather-Print Rondelle Beads, which mirror the Silver tones in the Pendant. Each Sterling Rondelle is flanked by 3mm translucent green Fire Polished Glass Ovals, adding sparkle. The Necklace is finished with turquoise Seed Beads and Sterling Sillver Cones & Toggle Clasp, and adorned with a Southwest Designs Sterling Chram. The piece weighs 76 grams and is 21 inches long plus the Pendant, which is 2-1/2 inches by 1-1/4 inches including the 3/8-inch Ring Bail (when wearing, a vertical length of about 10 inches).