Handcrafted by an unknown American artist, this masculine wire-wrap statement pendant features a pyritized ammonite fossil—a rare geological anomaly where a petrified shell rests in iron-rich marine sediment, allowing sulfur-reducing bacteria to replace the original shell material with iron pyrite, commonly known as "fool's gold." A single round Ethiopian fire opal is securely affixed to the architecture to offset the dark metallic shell, glowing with a vibrant green and orange play of color in the light.
Measuring over two inches long by one inch wide, the intricate silver alloy design is bold and heavy. The bail features a generous 6.5mm opening, allowing plenty of room to accommodate a heavy men's chain or leather cord.
An 18" sterling silver box-style presentation chain is included.
A Note on Testing & Condition:
This piece was originally sold to us as solid sterling silver. As part of our strict quality control, we rigorously test all metals before offering them to our clients. Our testing revealed this piece is actually a silver alloy (testing at approximately 50% silver). To achieve an accurate reading on a piece this intricately woven, we had to carefully file into the metal on the upper sides of the bail. Please review the final photos in the gallery to see these testing marks. While they slightly interrupt the finer wire pattern, they serve as a physical guarantee of exactly what you are purchasing.
Care Note: To keep your Ethiopian opal jewelry in its best possible condition, we highly recommend keeping it away from water. Please remove Ethiopian opal necklaces before bathing or swimming.
