About this Product
This unique and stunningly simple pendant features a black tektite in a hand fabricated sterling silver setting. Tektites are formed when the force of a meteor impact causes the silica in the ground to melt and fuse into glass. The origin of this particular specimen is unknown, but is likely from the Australasian Strewnfield, which encompasses most of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Southern China, Laos and Cambodia. It stretches across the ocean to include the islands of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaya and Java. It reaches far out into the Indian Ocean and south to the western side of Australia. Approximately one tenth of the Earth’s surface is accounted part of the strewnfield.
The simple, brightly polished sterling silver setting is the perfect contrast to the highly textured glassy tektite. The four bent wire prongs hold the tektite firmly and add just the right amount of detail.
Tektite dimensions: 12mm x 34mm
Pendant dimensions: 14mm x 44mm
Danielle Giese Jewelry
Meet the Maker
Hi, I'm Danielle! Thanks for stopping by!
In my "previous life" in the 1990s, I was a full-time silversmith, but I was young and inexperienced and had no idea how to run a business. After my son was born, I decided I needed something more stable. I started teaching and the jewelry tools got packed up and put into storage. I always said that when my son left for college I'd pick it back up again. Well, in January 2020 when he went back to school after Christmas, I knew he wouldn't be coming home to live again (unless something went terribly wrong!) so I rearranged his bedroom and moved in. I blew the dust off and got back to the bench. I was nervous - it had been almost 20 years - but it was just like riding a bike. A little wobbly at first, but in no time I was going strong again.
When Covid hit in March, I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands. I spent most of that extra time at my bench, thoroughly enjoying the creative outlet. I had forgotten the thrill that comes with watching a piece come together!
Each piece is one-of-a-kind, handmade by me. I make every piece from scratch, starting with sterling silver sheet and wire, and only natural stones. Each component is bent, twisted, stamped, and created one at a time, then placed individually to create the design. I rarely duplicate designs, and even then there are variabilities and differences due to the hand fabricated process.
I love to do custom work, so if you see something you like but it's not quite what you're looking for, let me know! We'll work together to create the perfect piece that you'll love to wear. I also love to hear special requests - let me know what you're looking for, and I'll make it! I'm always interested to hear from my customers so I can cater my designs to their tastes.
My Maker's Mark is my initials covered with a sunburst. The sunburst represents the mission of my jewelry: Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
How it’s Made
This piece stretched me and made me try a new technique. I knew I wanted to create a minimalistic setting for this tektite, but I have very little experience with non-bezel settings. This setting ended up taking me 3 tries before I got it right, but I love the way the bent silver wires hold the tektite firmly in place.
