BRONZITE and PIETERSITE

BRONZITE is a rich chocolate brown with metallic areas that have a distinct golden-bronze luster. It is a mineral that contains iron and magnesium. Gemologists refer to the shimmering quality of this stone as chatoyancy - an optical reflectance that looks like a silky sheen. Technically, chatoyancy comes either from the fibrous structure of the material or from fibrous inclusions or cavities within the stone. Bronzite deposits are found in Burma, Brazil, Kenya, India, Mexico, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tanzania and the United States.

Miriam loves how the shimmering golden-bronze chatoyancy of Bronzite blends beautifully with another natural stone - PIETERSITE. This remarkable and rare variety of tiger-eye was first discovered in 1962. It is most commonly found in Namibia, South Africa, and in 1993 was found near Nanyang, Henan, China. In addition to the deep golden brown coloration, Chinese Pietersite has striking combinations of red, maroon and blue color segments that may appear alone or together. (Reportedly, this variety of PIETERSITE was not exported to the West until 1997, when the Chinese became aware of its value.) Pietersite blues may range from a baby blue to a dark midnight hue. Pietersite shows the same striking chatoyancy as Bronzite, with bright and subtly changing shimmers of color that moves along the surface of the stone as it is viewed from varying angles.

The rectangular BRONZITE focal stone of this bold Necklace measures 1 x 1.25 inches. The 2.25-inch Pendant is attached to an unusual Sterling Silver beaded element attached to a four-strand Necklace that includes one strand of Pietersite and one strand of hand-rolled African brass beads. The other two strands are fine glass in coordinating colors. The full length of the Necklace is 18 inches. The S-shaped clasp has a delicate twist design. The Necklace with the Pendant attached is priced at $375.

Matching Bronzite & Pietersite Earrings are 1- 3/8 inches long – with stones that match the chatoyancy (golden shimmer) of the Pendant. Earwires are Sterling Silver. Earrings are priced separately at $85 - OR as a Special Value if purchased with the Necklace-Pendant Combo.

BRONZITE NECKLACE WITH DETACHABLE

SWIRL PENDANT

The rectangular BRONZITE focal stone of this shimmering Pendant measures 1 x 1.25 inches. The full Pendant measures two inches and carries Miriam's Sterling Silver Signature Swirl, decorated by a Pietersite bead. The five-strand Necklace has one full strand of BRONZITE beads (round and rice-shaped with a touch of Sterling Silver), and one strand of hand-rolled African brass beads. The other three strands are fine glass in coordinating colors, including a rich matte black. As on all Miriam's Necklaces, the clasps and cones are Sterling Silver. The full length of the Necklace is 22 inches. Although sold only as a set, you can wear the Pendant and Necklace separately. The Necklace plus Pendant is priced at $311.

This Pendant also matches the Bronzite-Pietersite Earrings shown earlier.

A round PIETERSITE Pendant shows Nature's extraordinary blend of golden browns, deep reds and maroons, and blue-grays that are the hallmarks of this outstanding natural stone. Delicate flower-shaped Sterling Silver bead caps accent the Pietersite beads at the top and bottom of the Pendant. The focal stone is 1-1/8 inches in diameter; the full Pendant is three inches long. One strand of Pietersite beads highlights the luxurious five-strand Necklace, which also has one strand of African brass beads that are hand rolled. The other three strands are fine glass in coordinating colors. The full length of the Necklace is 22 inches. The Sterling Silver bars at the end of the Necklace, and the s-shaped clasp have artistically carved designs that compliment the look of the Necklace. Although sold only as a set, you can wear the Pendant and Necklace separately. Priced at $400.

You might also want to consider Miriam's Oval SILVER LEAF JASPER Pendant - it looks gorgeous with the Pietersite Necklace!

Matching Pietersite Earrings have Sterling Silver Earwires with delicate flower accents. Earrings are priced separately at $150 - OR as a Special Value if purchased with the Pietersite Necklace/Pendant Set.

The round PIETERSITE focal stone on this Necklace reminds Miriam of the moments just before a winter storm, as the cloudy blue-gray sky peeks through the late fall foliage of golden yellows, toasty browns, deep reds and maroon. A variety of Pietersite stones and shapes are used in the Necklace in colors to accent the focal stone. Each of the six Oval Pietersites measures 5/8 x 0.5 inches. The Necklace also has a three-stranded feature composed of deep maroon Swarovski crystal pearls* and glass beading. The Necklace focal stone is 1-1/8 inches in diameter; the full Pendant is 2.5 inches long. The Necklace is just a bit longer than 20 inches. Priced at $350.

Be sure to see the Earrings and Bracelet that match the oval beading - AND the Special Value Sets available for this series!

Matching Pietersite Earrings are 1.25 inches long (each oval is 5/8 x 0.5 inches) - with colorations to match the Pendant, the oval stones in the Necklace, and the Bracelet. Deep maroon Swarovski crystal pearls and Sterling Silver accent the Pietersite. The Perfect Balance Sterling Silver earwires have a delicate silver bead. Earrings are priced separately at $85 - OR priced as a Special Value Set if purchased with the Necklace or with the Necklace and Bracelet.

The Pietersite Oval Bracelet is designed to match the Necklace and Earrings. Crafted for the larger wrist, the lightweight Bracelet measures 8 inches. The oval Pietersite focal stone measures 5/8 x 0.5 inches and is accented by beautifully shaped Pietersite beads, Sterling Silver and deep maroon Swarovski crystal pearls. Priced at $85 - or as a Special Value Set if purchased with the Oval Necklace and Earrings.

*Swarovski pearls combine a crystal core with an innovative pearl-like nacre coating which gives the appearance of fine South Seas pearls.