Amethyst Stalactite Slice Earrings

These earrings were designed and handmade in our home studio just outside of Seattle, WA. Each piece starts with a high quality gemstone to which a bail is added. A copper bezel is then electroformed around the stone to create a durable bond between metal and stone elements. The entire piece is then sent out to be further plated in silver at a thickness ten times the industry standard. This results in an heirloom quality piece that can be enjoyed for years to come with proper care. Amethyst stalactites are named after similar limestone deposits in caves. Stalactites form as water laden with calcium carbonate drips from the roof of caves. As the dripping continues, layers of calcite are deposited in rings and over time they settle on top of each other. Once the agate center has formed, the amethyst crystals grow on the outside surface. Stalactites are cross cut into slices to expose both the agate center and surrounding purple crystals.