Cuttlefish Cast Pendant with Royston Turquoise and New Lander Strand

Crafted by Nature’s Hand: Our exquisite pendant, cast using the ancient cuttlefish bone technique, weaves together three enchanting elements. A delicate dragonfly takes flight, its wings etched with intricate patterns. A spider, symbolizing creativity and patience, weaves its web. And at the heart of it all, a Royston Turquoise gemstone—its earthy matrix and vibrant blues reminiscent of desert skies. Whether you seek symbolism or simply crave a wearable work of art, this pendant celebrates the magic of nature.

This pendant is made by Dave using Royston turquoise that we dug out of this earth in Tonapah, NV.  That is the only place in the world Royston is found.  It’s also strung on about a 19″ New Lander turquoise strand to add just a bunch of beauty!  New Lander is found in Lander County, NV.  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.