Hessonite Garnet & Petrified Wood Collector’s Necklace

This is one of those pieces where I let myself go all the way with the details. It started with that extraordinary piece of petrified wood, filled with rusty reds, warm browns and tiny druzy-lined pockets. Above it sits a rose-cut hessonite garnet in almost exactly the right cinnamon-red, with a shape that happens to echo one of the crystalline pockets in the stone below. The two stones just belonged together.

The upper portion of the pendant is built in layers of sterling and reticulated silver, with a deeply textured surface surrounded by hundreds of individually fused silver granules. The petrified wood hangs below on a double hinge, giving such a substantial piece some movement rather than leaving it completely rigid.

There is just as much going on behind the scenes. I carried the pattern of the petrified wood onto the back in silver, with stippled areas inspired by the druzy pockets within the stone. Even the closure became part of the necklace itself: one side of the chain releases from the front of the pendant with a small puzzle-style clasp, while the other remains attached.

Hessonite is a variety of grossular garnet sometimes called the “cinnamon stone” for its warm reddish-brown color. Metaphysically, garnet is associated with confidence, strength and vitality, while petrified wood is traditionally connected with grounding, patience and stability.

✧ Stones: Rose-cut hessonite garnet and druzy petrified wood
✧ Pendant Size: Just over 2 ¾ inches long and 2 inches wide
✧ Chain: Sterling silver diamond-link chain in your chosen length
✧ Recommended Length: 18" sits just under the collarbone as shown
✧ Closure: Handmade front-closing puzzle clasp
✧ Metal: Sterling silver, fine silver and reticulated silver
✧ Construction: Articulated lower pendant with double hinge

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