LIBYAN DESERT GLASS PENDANT $135 Tektite 925 Sterling Jewelry STARBORN LG135-P17

Description: Tektites are a type of IMPACT GLASS, small, naturally-occurring objects, formed when a huge meteor slams into the Earth with such force that the surface rock material is melted and blasted into the upper atmosphere at high speeds. Here, the ejected molten rock cools and hardens, sometimes preserving its splashed, melted shape, which can also indicate how (and how fast) it was spinning in flight, if at all. Then, as it falls back down to Earth, it is subjected to "ablation", the surface melting due to the friction with the air, the result of its high speed flight back down through the atmosphere, creating its rough, pitted appearance (tiny crater-like indentations called Regmaglypts). Most pieces fracture or shatter upon hitting the ground but, depending on local conditions where each individual piece lands, some survive undamaged, in remarkable condition. The origin of LIBYAN DESERT GLASS has been a mystery for thousands of years. Its color can range from a pale yellow to a deep gold, its translucence can be almost clear to cloudy to dark bands running throughout. It has remained as attractive and precious as at times it has been useful. Early inhabitants of the eastern Sahara, in the deserts of modern day eastern Libya and western Egypt, used it to fashion sharp blades, dating back 10,000+ years. It was rare, treasured, valued, even sacred to some, to the extent that a piece was carved into a scarab to adorn the breast plate of King Tut, discovered in his burial chamber. Modern debate has raged over whether these were earthly stones or had an extra-terrestrial connection. Advances in the most recent scientific techniques and understanding now firmly classify these natural glass stones, dated to between 25 and 29 million years ago, as Tektites, having been formed by a large meteoritic impact. Recent satellite images have revealed several previously unknown craters in the Egyptian desert, one of which may likely be revealed to be the site of this ancient impact. This particular pendant, featuring a LIBYAN DESERT GLASS specimen, measures 1 3/16" long as it hangs, 3/4" at its widest point, and 3/8" at its thickest/tallest point. ALL of the metal in this pendant is Sterling Silver. The weight of the LIBYAN DESERT GLASS specimen itself is 18.3 cts and the total weight of the pendant is 6.4 grams, which does NOT include the weight of the chain. The above photos are of the actual pendant that you will receive. A ruler and a quarter are shown in the one photo for scale and reference and all measurements are to the nearest 1/16th of an inch but rounded down, NOT up. The length/height is measured from the top of the setting to the bottom but does not include the bail or any part of its structure or the jump ring. Each pendant is custom made by hand, based on the individual specimen. The back of the jump ring is stamped with the "shooting star" logo of STARBORN CREATIONS along with "925" to authenticate that this is a Sterling Silver setting. To make this a complete gift, we also include an 18" (with a 2" extension) snake chain. The chain that is included is Sterling Silver plating over Brass, NOT solid Sterling Silver. As chain lengths and style are highly personal, it is possible to easily replace the included gift chain with a different one of your choosing, whether from your own collection or from your favorite jeweler. A descriptive identification/authentication card is included with each LIBYAN DESERT GLASS pendant, along with our contact information stamped on the back, for quick and easy reference, if needed. I have tried to show this pendant in the ways in which you might look at it as you held it in your hands, from front to back, top to bottom, side to side, and of course, held up in front of a bright light. All photos were taken with 3 daylight, color-balanced, compact fluorescent bulbs to provide even and consistent lighting results, whether photographed against a white or gray background. As a result, I have NOT had to adjust the brightness or contrast of the posted photos. They do show the most accurate color and shading nuances. However, the bright "hot spots" visible on the silver surfaces are the results of reflections from these lights. PLEASE NOTE: Our photo "studio" is controlled and maintained by Grace and Andi, who have generously contributed some of their own hair to "highlight and enhance" the background of some of our photos, since they do spend about 20 hours a day sleeping there. This was done without our knowledge or permission and we tried our best to remove all that we could before we started shooting...and we failed, miserably! While this IS an apparent "feature" of some of our photos, we will NOT be including any cat hair with your purchase! STARBORN jewelry purchases are NOT eligible for our usual, multi-item postage refund, since the cost of postage is NOT figured in to the final selling price. We cover the cost of postage as our way of saying Thank You for your fine jewelry purchase. You can combine this with other non-STARBORN items that I am selling to receive a refund for each additional item after the first, once shipped, not including any STARBORN items. This refund reflects my savings in postage fees by combining your orders and is based on the total weight of the items. International buyers are eligible for the multi-item discount on all non-STARBORN purchases WHEN YOU USE THE SHOPPING CART FEATURE AND PAY FOR ALL OF YOUR ITEMS IN A SINGLE PAYMENT (which will ALWAYS help you to save on shipping for ALL multi-item international purchases) and receive free shipping to the Global Shipping Program Center in Kentucky, USA, but are responsible for all additional fees for postage, customs, tariffs, and/or any other import charges. BUY WITH CONFIDENCE with our GUARANTEE! We have tried to present as clear a picture and description of each item as possible. However, if you are not happy with your decision, you can either exchange or return your STARBORN purchase, no questions asked, within 30 days of receiving it, as long as it is still in new, unaltered/undamaged condition, and returned with any/all accompanying paperwork or certification. Buyer is responsible for postage, both ways in the event of an exchange, and for return postage in the event of a return. All refunds on returns will be minus our original postage costs. Any questions? Contact me.

Price: 135 USD

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-01-26T23:22:37.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD