$1100
Healthy Bear
Sterling silver - reclaimed
Opalite stone - cut outside of Joshua Tree by some good folks
Lapis lazuli bead strands - 16-18” adjustable
Bear is about 1.5” long and 1.23” at widest point
This pendant is made to wear with or without the bead strands. Simply, but gently, take the bear off the clasp side of the beaded strands and put it on another chain of your choosing.
Watching a bear feed off fish is the coolest thing I’ve seen. Katmai made such an impression on me and this piece is a direct creation from that experience. This is one of my favorite pieces to date. The strands are mixed with a sparkle of tiny faceted and smooth round lapis lazuli beads. The color reminds me of Homer, Alaska. Getting those fish under the opalite stone is a design of my own, and I’m proud of it! This piece feels like being out on the tundra watching bears eat BIG before their hibernation period. Knowing they were good and fat before entering their dens felt hopeful.
Note to buyer: The reclaiming process is a bit of a long one. Most of the sterling silver I buy is from well used jewelry that isn't being worn anymore or has been broken. I also buy used sterling silverware. I melt it all down and roll it into sheet and wire. This means that I don't have to buy freshly mined silver that is much easier to work with. Reclaimed pieces cost morebecause of this extra process. In the end, reclaiming metal for my wares is gratifying and worth it to me. I hope you feel the same. With love.