Components

*Handmade Script Stone beads by Gary Wilson
*Mink shell heishe
*Old glass beads
*Sterling beads, spacers, findings, earrings
*Necklace is signed, numbered, dated

Length: 18" - 23.5" (46 cm - 60 cm) Shown on model at shortest length
Weight: 4.2 oz (120 gm)

Earring drop length: 1.5" (4 cm)
Earring weight: 4.9 gm ea (a nickel weighs about 5 gm)

Item #812 - $630 (set)

Necklace and
Earrings - $630
      Necklace alone
$600

Script Stone Necklace and Earrings

Script Stone and Mink Necklace
Script Stone and Mink Necklace Detail
Script Stone and Mink Necklace detail
Script Stone and Mink Necklace on model
Script Stone and Mink Earrings
 Script Stone and Mink Necklace
Hover to zoom, Click to expand

Gary B. Wilson "gets" beads! His handcut beads are marvelous, lovable and beautiful! I think part of what makes the three centerpiece beads here so especially lovable is their matte finish. I also appreciate that he didn't make three round beads but offered the different shapes and sizes. All I had to do is add some Mink shell and old glass, and brighten it up with silver beads and spacers. He made it so easy!

Script Stone goes by more names than most stones. Going down that rabbit hole I found myself reading about the Newton Stone with its incised script... too far afield. The "script" in these beads consists of a script-like tracery written in fossil shell.

Oh dear, now you're going to ask me about the mink shell. My 2007 invoice shows "rare mink shell heishe." That's it. The vendor no longer carries it so I doubt they could help. Maybe you dove for it in some far flung place and can help us? Neither google nor Wiki were any help, I couldn't find it in google books or in any searchable Amazon book on shells... even Gosling's $200 treatise on bivalves doesn't mention it, though of course we don't know if it's a bivalve. All I know about it is that it's incredibly tough. I used it in another necklace many years ago and made some earrings to go with it by grinding the shell disks down to a smaller diameter. It took roughly forever and I didn't do it for these earrings, sorry. If you know anything about it, please let me know!

I made this set during a time when more women are finally being elected to Congress. Have you noticed how most of them seem to favor pearl necklaces with their handsome suits? Obviously I also favor pearls, but eventually the apparent Congressional uniform gets a little boring (recognizing a notable exception: California's brilliant Katie Porter!). This necklace would be appropriate with business attire as well as with jeans. It's neutral, yet rich; substantial enough to be noticed but not overwhelming. The fossils are grounding, the shell has a breezy ocean vibe, and the old glass invites contemplation. What do you think? Would it work with your own business and casual attire? If so, may I suggest you try it?