Sterling silver and tiger iron necklace

I'm rather excited to see the pieces fall into place for this necklace.

Tiger Iron, according to Wikipedia, "is an altered rock composed chiefly of tiger's eye, red jasper, and black hematite". It has 3 different types of minerals in one, and the colors are striking in contrast, which is what attracted me at the first place.  

The following shows you the transformation through photographs, from a rough slab to a ncklace.

Rough slab:

Outline was formed:

Forming and refining shape:

Now a cabochon, polished on front and back:

Before setting the stone:

Assembling jump rings into chain, connecting the toggle clasp:

A finished piece:

Pendant:
Handcut natural tiger iron cabochon - 80mm x 30mm x 8mm
Sterling silver prong setting
Sterling silver open backing
Dimensions: approx. 80mm x 30mm (3" x 1")

Neck chain:
Sterling silver
Hand-formed, fabricated and soldered
Handmade toggle clasp
Length: 8" -10"

This is available in my etsy shop.
Thanks for reading.

Lamazonian Handcrafted Jewelry © 2005-2011.  Photo: Vema