Chrysocolla & Native Copper in Chalcedony Wide Band Ring – Size 7.5
This is one of those stones I've been holding onto because I knew I wasn't going to easily replace it. Suspended inside the softly translucent chalcedony are little islands of blue-green chrysocolla tangled together with warm, metallic native copper. They seem to float inside the stone rather than simply sit on its surface, almost like some strange little underwater world caught beneath glass. The copper flashes brightly when the light catches it, while the chrysocolla brings in those wonderful bits of turquoise and green against the soft, almost misty background.
This unusual material comes from Indonesia and is sometimes sold under the trade names Confetti Chrysocolla or Sugar Water Agate. More accurately, it is chalcedony containing inclusions of native copper and secondary copper minerals such as chrysocolla. Indonesian chalcedony with native copper has been gemologically documented, including material from West Java. The combination is what makes these stones so fascinating: actual metallic copper and colorful copper minerals suspended within translucent silica. I don't have many stones left from this material, and much of what I've seen available more recently looks quite different from these older pieces with their beautifully distinct inclusions floating inside the chalcedony.
The long marquise shape gives the stone a graceful, almost talismanic presence, so I kept the setting clean around its edge and let everything happening inside take center stage. The stone is bezel set in sterling silver, while the wide band is covered with individually applied silver details over a heavily textured surface. Patina darkens the recesses before the raised silver is polished back to brightness, creating the depth and contrast that has become such an important part of my metalwork.
Metaphysically, chrysocolla is traditionally associated with communication, calm and emotional balance, while chalcedony is associated with harmony and stability. Copper has historically been associated with vitality and the movement of energy.
✧ Gemstone: Chrysocolla and Native Copper in Chalcedony (also known as Confetti Chrysocolla or Sugar Water Agate)
✧ Origin: West Java, Indonesia
✧ Ring Size: 7.5; due to the wide band, best suited for approximately a size 7–7.25 finger
✧ Band Width: Approximately 18.5 mm at the front, tapering to 8 mm at the back
✧ Ring Face: Approximately 33 x 17 mm
✧ Setting: Sterling silver bezel
✧ Metal: Sterling silver with an oxidized patina
One-of-a-kind and made with care in my studio.
