Posted 8 months ago
Steptoe1
(2358 items)
I’ve just rediscovered this lovely pendant and wondered if anyone can tell me more about it, looks vintage but not sure how old or where it’s from,
Vintage silver pendant | ||
| Newfld's loves2131 of 39314 |  |  |
Steptoe1, I thought this was very attractive, and wondered what the composition of the cabochon might be.
Suprisingly, Google Lens turned up any number of siblings and cousins, e.g.:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1348903426/retro-necklace-pendant-925-silver-24-x
The "eye" turns out to be shell:
"Shiva Shell sometimes called Pacific Cat’s Eye have been believed to open the Third Eye Chakra which transform and mute negative energy. It is a stunning natural gem made of calcium carbonate and have brown and black band that are carved into the shape of the eye."
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1379362014/shiva-eye-shell-natural-round-shell
A bit more on Shiva Shell:
*snip*
Shiva Shell, also known as Shiva Eye or sometimes Pacific Cat’s Eye, is a stunning natural gem whose pattern is completely made by Mother Nature. Discovered on the seabed in the shallow tropical waters of Thailand and Indonesia, the gem is actually the protective door found at the opening of the Turban Snail’s shell, which towards the end of the snail’s natural life, detaches and sinks to the seabed. Although each spiral is similar in pattern, as with all organic gemstones, each one will vary slightly.
Across the gem-rich countries of India, Tibet and Sri Lanka, many Hindus worship the god Shiva. Many pictures of Shiva show a third eye in the middle of the god’s forehead and it is from this that the gem’s name is derived.
As with many shells the Shiva Eye is made of calcium carbonate. Although its body color is always whitish, its beautiful swirl can vary in color, depending on the snail’s diet!
*snip*
https://stonetreasuresbythelake.com/pages/shiva-shell
Thanks Kerra I have only just seen your great help and information on this shiva pendant, really interesting to read about it.
Steptoe1, You're quite welcome. :-)
To me, something like this is much more appealing than jewelry made with so-called precious stones.
Not being an expert, precious gems like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, etc., look to me no better than faceted pieces of glass. They generally leave me cold. };-)
Yeah it’s definitely interesting, I wonder how old it is