Cuttlefish Cast Cross Necklace with Fire Opal

Crafted by Nature, Worn with Spirit: Our Cuttlefish Cast Cross Pendant features a mesmerizing Fire Opal at its heart. Handcrafted using the ancient cuttlefish bone casting method, this unique pendant embodies both earthy texture and fiery brilliance. The opalescent gem dances with hues of red, orange, and gold, capturing the essence of passion and transformation. Whether you seek divine symbolism or simply crave a statement piece, this pendant is a testament to artistry and natural beauty.

This pendant is made by Dave using fire opal we got from our supplier in Albuquerque, NM.  We actually tried to dig opal while we were in Nevada last year but I came away with blisters on my hands and some petrified wood from the Redwood Forest that was millions of years old but NO opal. Well, we might have found some opal but none with fire, so. I think that stuff is like unicorns! Also, the picture with the white background shows this to be wayyyy more “blacked” than it really is. We also use only sterling silver on all our pieces.

Cuttlefish casting is a process for making unique pieces that you dream up.  Dave takes 2 sides of cuttlefish bone and sands them perfectly flat.  He then takes 1 side and carves whatever he’s imagining into it.  Sometimes, he makes bezels beforehand and sticks those into the carving where they will eventually hold a stone.  He then wires them together with the carved side up against the flat side.  There is a “pour hole” that’s called a sprew in the top of the cuttlefish and that’s where you pour your melted silver.  We heat up the silver to 1760*F and then pour it into the top of the mold.  Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t.  The molds are a one-shot deal so you always hope they turn out.  He then works them up by cutting off any little “spills” from the sides of the item, polishing it, “blacking” it if it needs it, making a bail for a chain or strand, and then you have the finished product.