Rosarita Heart Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver

This fiery red heart pendant is crafted from Rosarita, an unusual and beautiful byproduct of the gold refining process in 1960s–70s Alaska. Though not a gemstone, Rosarita holds a unique place in the world of materials. When beach sand was smelted to extract gold, some of the leftover slag retained trace amounts of gold, resulting in vivid red glass-like material. No two pieces are alike, and this one glows with rich color and history.

I’ve set the heart in sterling silver with signature sculptural prongs and a scalloped bezel, giving it a dramatic and romantic edge. On the reverse, I textured the backplate with a delicate rose pattern, a quiet nod to the heart motif. This design is one of my longtime favorites, and I only make a few each year.

Rosarita is thought to carry the energy of transformation, creativity, and empowerment. Its bold coloring and reclaimed origin make it a talisman for passion, reinvention, and expressive strength.

✧ Stone: Rosarita (a red glass slag byproduct of vintage gold refining)
✧ Pendant Size: Just over 1 inch long, ¾ inch wide — this is the smallest of the three heart pendants
✧ Back Design: Etched with a rose pattern
✧ Metal: Sterling silver and fine silver
✧ Chain: 1.8mm sterling silver rolo chain
  • Adjustable from 24 inches to any shorter length
  • Slider bead + lobster claw closure

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