"They say that Halloween comes earlier and earlier every year."
Handcrafted, signed, and fittingly named by talented Philadelphia jewelry industry veteran of over 30 years, Jane Theis of HighArt, this truly one-of-a-kind work makes a statement unlike any other. Measuring a total length of 5 inches when held vertically, this massive sterling silver skeleton pendant incorporates a considerable number of different parts.
Carved from Mexican cantera matrix opal, the skull shows subtle red fire with green overtones and blue undertones in the left-most edge of precious opal when viewed closely in the light; perhaps even more notable are the many needle-like black tourmaline inclusions visible within its transparent surface—a macabre detail lovingly preserved by the stone's unknown original carver, perhaps a nod to our fellow's cause of death.
The skeleton's hands are carved from mother of pearl, and its pelvis is an unknown frosted mineral; it is the artist's belief that this is likely to be quartz, though its softness indicates that it may be calcite or ulexite.
Most metal incorporated into the pendant is sterling silver—the setting behind the skull, the clavicle, rib cage, spine, pelvic bezel, arm bones, leg bones, and jump rings. Three solid 14k yellow gold rivets are visible in the clavicle, connecting it to the arm bones and spine, allowing these parts of the skeleton to articulate and swivel. The skeleton's feet are base metal tombstone decorations that do not test as sterling silver.
18" sterling silver box-style presentation chain included. The 4mm wide hidden bail comfortably allows for wider styles or men's chains.
More Information...
The Main Stone: Natural Cantera Fire Matrix Opal, solid
- origin: Jalisco, Mexico
- brightness of color play: B1.5 of 5
- body tone: N/A
- shape: freeform cabochon — carved skull shape
- stone measurements (millimeters): 20.32mm x 13.30mm
- stone measurements (inches): 0.8" x 0.5"
- color play description: predominantly red with green overtones and blue undertones
- additional notes: eye-visible black tourmaline needle inclusions
The Accent Stones:
- Mother of Pearl (hands)
- stone count: 2
- shape: freeform cabochons — carved hand shapes
- average stone measurements (millimeters): 21.50mm x 8.75mm
- average stone measurements (inches): 0.8" x 0.33"
- color: cream/yellowish-white
- Unknown (pelvis) — Quartz per artist, possibly Calcite or Ulexite
- stone count: 1
- shape: oval with two carved holes
- average stone measurements (millimeters): 14.06mm x 21.04mm
- average stone measurements (inches): 0.6" x 0.8"
- color: colorless/white
The Setting: Custom Articulated Skeleton Statement Pendant, signed by artist
- pendant metal:
- .925 sterling silver, solid (main design, bones, mounting)
- 14k yellow gold, solid (three rivets along skeleton's clavicle)
- base metal (tombstone feet)
- pendant length (when held vertically): 127.89mm (5.00")
- pendant width (from hands, when held vertically): 32.63mm (1.3")
- hidden bail opening width: 4mm
- pendant weight (not including chain): 21.53 grams
- signed "THEIS" on back of skull by artist, Jane Theis, c.2026
- #2spooky4me
