Andalusite Faceted Rondelle Hand-Knotted Strand Necklace in Sterling Silver

There’s an undeniably sensuous allure to a hand-knotted strand of gemstones. Each bead moves with a liquid grace, the silk thread giving the necklace a supple drape against the skin. In the hand, they’re a joy to roll between your fingers, smooth and rhythmic with just the right weight. It’s a tactile pleasure, flexible and deeply satisfying. I adore layering these strands, playing with different stones, colors, and lengths, but they’re just as beautiful worn alone. Each one is knotted on silk thread chosen to complement the stones.

Andalusite is a new addition to my collection, and these are the first beads I've worked with in this fascinating gemstone. The colors are gorgeous, ranging from golden honey and warm cognac to deeper, smoky browns, with subtle variations that give the strand a beautifully rich, earthy character. Some beads are lighter and more translucent, while others have darker areas of color that create depth within the stone. The thin faceted rondelles catch the light beautifully, bringing out all those warm tones and giving the necklace a lovely, understated sparkle.

One of the most interesting things about andalusite is its strong pleochroism, an optical property that allows a gemstone to display different colors depending on the direction it's viewed. This can create fascinating shifts and variations within individual stones. Named after Andalusia, Spain, andalusite is traditionally associated in crystal lore with balance, grounding, and seeing situations from different perspectives.

✧ Stone: Andalusite
✧ Bead Size: Approximately 5mm thin faceted rondelles
✧ Length: Adjustable from 18–20 inches with a 2-inch sterling silver extension chain
✧ Thread: Hand-knotted on silk in a coordinating hue
✧ Closure: Sterling silver lobster claw clasp with 2-inch extension chain
✧ Metal: Sterling silver

One-of-a-kind and made with care in my studio.