Two sets of hands made this necklace, on two continents.

The pendant is Baule, hand-cast in brass in Côte d'Ivoire by the lost-wax method. A wax model is packed in clay and fired so molten brass replaces it — then the mould is broken to release the casting. There is no second pull from it. Every pendant is singular by the nature of the process, not by chance.

The strand is natural lapis lazuli, hand-strung here in Wisconsin, shot through with the gold pyrite flecks that mark the genuine stone.

Tibetan inlay beads set with turquoise and coral punctuate the lapis, with gold cage beads holding bright red coral placed so the eye finds them.

Nothing in this piece came from a machine.

Details

• Hand-cast brass Baule pendant from Côte d'Ivoire, lost-wax method — the mould is destroyed to release it, so no two are alike
• Natural lapis lazuli with visible iron pyrite flecking
• Tibetan brass beads inlaid with turquoise and coral, hand-set in Nepal
• Gold cage beads set with red coral
• Gold spacers throughout
• Approximate length: [NEEDS MEASUREMENT]
• Pendant hand-cast in West Africa; necklace hand-strung in Mequon, Wisconsin

Care: Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Lapis is a softer stone — avoid knocks and store separately. Apply perfume and lotion before wearing.

A portion of every purchase supports organizations serving women and youth.