Mina

'Mina' is a hybrid silversmithing/chainmaille design that's been a long time in the planning. The design was created around the very unique, emerald cut Lepidocrocite in Quartz that is featured in the top chain. Lepidocrocite in Quartz is a beautiful stone, each uniquely patterned as no two stones inclusion pattern is the same. The host gemstone is a clear Quartz with mineral inclusions of Lepidocrocite, Hematite, and Goethite which give the stone its characteristic red inclusion pattern and colouring. With a pattern that reminded me of blood splatter, this Lepidocrocite has been nicknamed the 'vampire stone' in my family and that led me run with that idea and create a one-of-a-kind necklace inspired by Bram Stoker's famed novel, 'Dracula'. 

The necklace's design takes is a hybrid of Victorian and Edwardian styling. The top chain, is reminiscent of the high-collar necklaces of the Victorian era and features alternating patterned wire links and knots of Fourever Chain. The bottom chain was styled after the Edwardian negligee necklaces with two near-micromaille Half Persian 3in1 chains with Garnet drops suspended at different lengths from a Faerie Circle centerpiece with Half-Romanov and Half Persian 3in1 chains forming the chains length. At the back, these two chains meet with a Romanov segment to combine into a single chain of Cerastes weave chainmaille. The necklace is created entirely from sterling silver and, along with the Lepidocrocite in Quartz, also features Garnets and Black Onyx. 

The necklace measures at 17.25 inches long, but sits where at about where a 16-inch choker would. the central design extending down about 4.5 inches.

Cerastes, Faerie Circle, and Half-Romanov are original weaves/designs by Handmaden Designs LLC.