Mixed-metal dendritic agate earrings in argentium sterling silver and 24 karat gold with high-quality scenic stones

Utterly unique, these earrings are entirely handmade by me in my Connecticut studio. Bezel-set dendritic agates in tarnish-resistant argentium sterling silver with a scattering of 24 karat gold keum boo and a hammered finish. Post earrings, comfortable silicone earring backs. What is a dendritic agate? Agate is a variety of chalcedony, which is a fine-grained quartz. Dendrites (from dendron, Greek for tree) are fractal patterns in a stone that resemble plants or coral. The patterns form over millions of years as water and minerals seep through miniscule fissures in the stone. A specialized stone-cutter is needed to reveal their full potential. These dendritic agates, perfectly oh-so-slightly mismatched, feature a primary pattern in black with tiny red flecks. Recalling sea life, they are complemented by seaweed-like hammered argentium sterling silver settings. Fused to the silver is a scattering of 24 karat gold.