Opuntia Oxidized Medium Cactus Necklace with Gemstone

This handmade botanical pendant was inspired by the desert and cast from actual skeletons of Prickly Pear cacti (skeleton closeup shown). Using the lost wax casting process, each piece starts with a carefully selected section of Prickly Pear skeleton, which is then hand cast using recycled sterling silver. The cast piece is then framed with sterling silver wire. A 14k gold setting holds a Moissanite gemstone. Moissanite is a lab created gemstone that is comparable to a diamond in clarity, color and hardness, but has little environmental impact. The Moissanite in this pendant is 3mm in diameter. The pointed teardrop pendant measures 1" wide and 1.5" long; sterling silver chain and clasp. The entire piece is oxidized, or blackened. The result is a gunmetal look. Materials: Sterling Silver, 14k Gold Setting, Moissanite gemstone Method: Lost Wax Casting Finish: Oxidized (Blackened) Sterling Silver