Labradorite cabochon pendant bezel set with sterling silver and bead embroidery on seed bead rope

The  pear shaped Labradorite cabochon used in this piece is 1" (2.5cms) at its widest point and 1"(2.5cms) long. It has a very pronounced glow in the blue/green range and packs a punch much greater than its size. The Labradorite has been bezel set in sterling silver and then embroidered with a range of seed and silver beads  in sympathetic colours to enhance the gemstone. The pendant hangs from  a seed beaded rope with sterling silver tubes and finished with a sterling  silver clasp. 

Labradorite is a magical stone, which displays an iridescent optical effect. According to  Inuit legend,  the Northern Lights had been trapped inside the stone and were only released when a warrior broke the stones with a spear. It was believed that any stones which remained unbroken continued to reveal  the entrancing  glowing colours of the Northern Lights  a glow which is now  known as labradorescence. 

 It  was first described by geologists in the 1770's and  was named after  the site in which it was originally found - Labrador in Canada although it is now mined elsewhere too. Labradorite can display a full spectrum of colours, with many stones revealing a blue and green sheen. 

This necklace is 18"(45cms) in length and has a sterling silver clasp.