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TEMPLATE – handcrafted pendant description. DO NOT PUBLISH
Enduring Metals
To celebrate each stone’s unique expression, they’re cradled in high-quality metals. I work predominantly with 925 sterling silver, solid 9-carat gold, 14K gold-filled wire⌄Gold-filled wire is 14/20, meaning that 14-karat gold makes up at least 1/20 (5%) of the overall weight, bonded to a core. Unlike gold-plated wire, where a thin layer of gold is electroplated onto the surface, gold-filled wire has a much thicker bonded layer of gold, making it considerably more durable., with occasional accents of coated copper.
The Symbology of the Bail
The supporting ‘threads’ (wires) of the pendant’s framework are gathered at the top, then folded over to form the loop from which it hangs. I find this process deeply symbolic – cohesively gathering and integrating the many facets of our lives, drawing upon our multiple strengths to support and frame the unique expression of our authentic selves.
To bring this glorious artistic expression to completion as a wearable pendant, the ends of these threads either encircle the lower part of the bail or are trimmed away. I love the metaphor in this too! Of the rich tapestry of our past experiences, some things are ready to be released, while others are retained to provide further strength and foundation to our being, enabling our lights to shine forth spectacularly as we journey ahead.
Art Becomes Wearable
In bringing these one-of-a-kind creations to life as wearable art, a balance between free expression, security and durability is mindfully sought. Given their artistic construction, particular care is recommended when wearing them with fine, loose-weave clothing, as the framework may catch on delicate fibres, potentially damaging the fabric or pulling finer details of the pendant, such as spirals, out of shape. Read more about how to care for these gorgeous creations.
Chains Are Available
This gorgeous pendant would make an amazing gift for someone dear to your heart, or even for yourself! I recommend wearing it on a quality chain.
Your gemstone pendant will arrive beautifully presented in a classic Kathryn Jane Design jewellery box, tied with silver-coloured thread.
If purchasing as a gift, you can also choose to have the pendant presented on a chain. Silver-coloured display chains and sterling silver belcher chains are available. Please note that the display chains are for presentation purposes only and are not suitable for wearing the pendant.
The sterling silver belcher chains are generally available in 45cm and 60cm lengths. If you’d prefer a different length, please feel free to contact me to discuss a custom length.
The connector rings at each end of the chain are carefully pinched closed rather than soldered.
Colour & Perception
“Oh Kathryn, it’s even more beautiful in real life. The photos didn’t do it justice!” I hear this so often.
I take great care in trying to provide accurate photographic representations of my pendants. The colours of natural gemstones can vary under different lighting conditions, so I endeavour to photograph each piece in a variety of settings to capture its different nuances.
The highly polished surface of a gemstone often reflects its surroundings, creating visible highlights and glare. To minimise these reflections, I also photograph my pendants inside a light-filtering cone. While this helps soften bright glare, it can sometimes make a pendant appear less vibrant. Please refer to the photo captions for details about the conditions in which each image was taken.
I also provide video, moving each pendant through different angles to reveal more of its character and how it responds to the light. Colours can appear slightly different in photographs and video, with each offering its own perspective. Together, they provide a more rounded impression of the pendant’s appearance.
Your screen and device settings may also influence how colours appear.
The Magician’s Stone
The captivating beauty of labradorite comes from labradorescence, when vibrant, iridescent colours burst from within the stone as light strikes it. These colourful flashes often seem to open magical portals within what might, at first glance, appear to be fairly nondescript dark or grey stones.
Capturing these gorgeous displays of colour in photographs can be challenging, as both the lighting and viewing angle affect how the colours appear. The light needed to reveal labradorescence can also cast shadows or create reflections across the pendant, making it difficult to fully capture the stone’s spectacular play of colour. I’ve found that photographing the pendant from a slight angle often produces the best results. Video offers another way to appreciate labradorite’s shifting flashes of colour as the pendant moves through different angles.
Labradorite may also display natural internal lines and markings that give it an almost fractured appearance. Some remain within the stone, while others may extend to the polished surface. I take care to photograph each pendant from angles that help make these features visible.
Larger Than Life
It’s so wonderful to be able to zoom in and study a pendant’s details, but bear in mind that the photos show the pendants at a significantly larger size than in real life. As a result, details of the stone’s structure can appear exaggerated. Many is the time I’ve viewed a photograph and noticed a detail that I simply don’t perceive when viewing the pendant up close with ‘ma naked eyes’.
If you’d like to see further photos or videos, please ask. I’m only too happy to help.