Sonora Sunset Stone Pendant in Sterling Silver

Item Description

This material is fairly new to the market, first appearing in 2006, and then quickly disappearing once the mine was finished producing. You might see these stones labeled as "Sonoran Sunset Jasper" or "Sonoran Sunrise Jasper". Obviously the combination of the rich red hue and the brilliant blue green color invokes the image of the sky and earth during either sunrise or sunset. Truth be told, there is no Jasper in this material whatsoever, as it's actually a combination of red massive Cuprite and elegant blue-green Chrysocolla. The combination is alluring on its own, but the durability and size of the stones makes them highly appealing to the lapidary and jewelry trade. Sadly, there will be no more of these stones, as oxidized zone at the Milpillas Mine is finished and will not produce any more material like this. This particular piece is a beautiful pendant, which is actually wire-wrapped in Sterling Silver, with an elegant bale at the top. The perimeter of the stone (what some might call the girdle) has been skillfully carved with a thin "groove" so the wire sets in there snugly, and keeps the stone secure. We haven't seen much of this material in the last 10 years, and a piece like this would make a great gift for anybody who admires southwestern style jewelry, or has a love for copper-bearing minerals. It's also a unique and colorful item that is truly unlike almost anything else you'll find on the market. The entire piece weighs 58.55 carats. Priced at $2,400 retail.