Royal Purple Charoite and Copper Wire Wrap Viking Knit Statement Necklace

Named for the Charo River in Siberia, Charoite is a stunning purple stone, and the flowing iridescent streaks of color running through this cabochon range in color from lilac to deep royal purple. The elaborate oxidized copper wire frame embracing the chatoyant focal piece gives this necklace a vining Art Nouveau intricacy, and the handcrafted Viking knit neck cords add a touch of the Medieval or Renaissance. Deep purple faceted amethyst beads coupled with seed bead clusters like dewy bunches of grapes add extra decoration to the top of the netted cage. Even the back has been lovingly crafted with a hammered copper wire swirl (shown in the last picture).

This is a fairly large piece, with the charoite cabochon itself measuring about 2 inches by 2 inches at the longest and widest points (or about 52mm), and with the graceful wire frame, the pendant piece is about 3 inches tall. The oxidized copper Viking knit neck cords make this piece about 20 inches long, culminating in a handcrafted swan-neck clasp decorated with more amethyst beads.

Charoite, a rare mineral mined solely in the Murun mountains in Yakutia, Russia, is also known as "lilac stone." According to gem and mineral lore, Charoite is said to help those dealing with fear, particularly fear associated with major life changes. Charoite is also believed to reduce stress and worry and enhance self-esteem. Whether you believe these claims or not, there is no denying that charoite is a stone of unique beauty.

Charoite jewelry is best stored in a fabric-lined box away from other pieces of jewelry in order to avoid chipping and scratching.