This vibrantly coloured, slim, dished brooch is made from thick sterling silver and set with an irridescent cabochon of very rare Charoite.

I had been playing with several ideas for a brooch to suit this amazing gemstone for a while, and after a week of making shapes in a variety of materials to back the stone I went back to basics and got out a lovely piece of 1.5mm thick sterling silver. The silver was then hammer-textured using a very small Sinking Hammer and as that has hammering was going along the silver reacted to the forging by gently curving inwards. I loved the shape so much that I decided to leave it like that - a happy accident I believe.

Charoite is a rare gemstone first described in 1978. It was believed to be named after the Chara river in Russia. That said, the Chara river is about 70 km away from where the gem was discovered, so now it is believed to be named after the Russian word chary, meaning magic or ‘charms’. When the gem was discovered, it was thought to be a fake that had been dyed purple to give it its striking appearance - no no it’s totally natural.

I bought this piece of Charoite from a dealer I have known in Russia for quite a few years. Although Russian, Ivan is supporting the Ukranians in as many ways as he can, so I am very proud to support his effeorts by buying from him during this time of trouble - although this piece was bought back in 2020.

These Brooch weighs 11gms and is 54mm long by 33mm wide.

SPECIFICATION

Metal: Sterling Silver and stainless steel brooch pin
Stones: 28ct cabochon of Charoite