Russian Amazonite and Bronze Diamond Necklace (BLGR-004)
This stunning and unique necklace is composed of various size Russian Amazonite rough-cut nuggets and Old World Bronze(TM) Diamond-shaped beads. The handwrought and textured bronze beads create a rich element of design in this necklace, which is stylish enough to wear with a high-fashion with an evening dress. Russian Amazonite beads offer a deeper, brighter green to blue-green (teal) color than typical Amazonite stones, with gray and white striations that are often more pronounced - some having a lovely sheen in the sunlight. Miriam favors the teal color and especially likes the way the beautiful white, textured striations add a special design element to each piece, making it even more unique.
- Full length of the necklace is 21 inches, including the handmade bronze clasp.
- Russian Amazonite vertical nuggets range from 0.75 to one inch in height; the horizontal nuggets are 6/8 to 7/8 inches long.
- The Old World BronzeTM Diamond beads are 6/8 inches in height, and approximately 4/8 inches wide at the center.
- The clasp is also handwrought Old World Bronze (TM).
- Tiny round beads are hand-rolled African Brass.
- Crimps and crimp covers are bronze coated metal.
- The necklace is strung on a flexible antique metallic bronze-colored 49-strand stainless steel wire that is nylon coated.
Amazonite, also known as Amazon Stone, is a member of the feldspar family.Feldspar comprises a group of minerals containing potassium, sodium, calcium, and aluminum silicates. They are the most common rock-forming minerals. Historically, the most sought after Amazonite was mined in Russia, found in the granite in Miass, along the Ilmen Mountains in Chelyabinsk. However, not all Russian Amazonite is mined there. Because this darker form of the semiprecious gemstone was first discovered in Russia, the name remains. And don’t let the name “Amazonite” fool you. This stone is not found in the Amazon Basin! According to Brazilian legend, the Amazon people gave ''green stones''to the visitors of the region. Europeans were already familiar with green microcline from Russia and assumed the blue-green rock given to them by the Indians of South America was the same stone. Caring for amazonite:If you wash your Russian Amazonite beads, be sure to use lukewarm soapy water--and never use a steamer or ultrasonic cleaner.Abrasives, acids, and other chemicals can damage Amazonite, as can scratches and sharp blows.
The Bronze beads Miriam selected add a distinctive artistic expression to this unique, one-of-kind necklace. As it ages, bronze develops a beautiful patina that enhances the individual character of each piece. Miriam used Old World Bronze™ beads that are handcrafted using an old-world wax method, and an exclusive bronze recipe developed by the Charveaux family of metalsmiths in Scottsdale, Arizona.