The Aqua Chalcedony and Baroque Pearl Necklace from House Of The 18th is a sterling silver pendant necklace featuring a 4x6mm rectangular aqua chalcedony in a smooth bezel setting, with a 9x13mm baroque freshwater cultured pearl suspended beneath it. The chain measures 40cm with a 5cm extender, adjustable between 40cm and 45cm. Chain, bail and bezel are solid 925 sterling silver finished with 18ct gold plating. The necklace is nickel-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
What is aqua chalcedony?
Chalcedony is a microcrystalline form of quartz with a waxy, translucent surface rather than a glassy one. It rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Aqua chalcedony refers to chalcedony in a sea-green to pale blue tone, a colour achieved through treatment, as chalcedony occurs naturally in white, grey and pale blue-grey. The stone is translucent rather than transparent, so it holds a soft milky glow instead of sparkling.
What is a baroque pearl?
A baroque pearl is a cultured pearl with an irregular, non-spherical shape. Round pearls are formed around a spherical nucleus; baroque pearls develop asymmetrically, producing a unique outline for every pearl. The 9x13mm freshwater pearl on this necklace is a flat pear-shaped baroque, which gives it a broad surface that reflects light across its whole face rather than in a single highlight.
Why the scale is deliberate
The chalcedony measures 4x6mm and the pearl 9x13mm - the drop is roughly three times the size of the stone above it. Most pendant necklaces put the largest element at the top. Reversing the hierarchy makes the pearl read as the subject and the chalcedony as a colour note, which is why the necklace works as a single statement piece rather than a layering piece.
How to care for gold-plated silver, chalcedony and pearl
Pearl is the most delicate element of this necklace. Pearl is organic, rates only 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, and its nacre surface is damaged by perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and acids. Put the necklace on last when dressing and wipe the pearl with a soft dry cloth after wearing. Never use silver dip, polishing cloths or ultrasonic cleaners - all three destroy both the nacre and the gold plating. Store flat and dry in a soft pouch, and avoid stacking the pearl against harder stones.