Ammonites are one of the most
widely known and recognized of all fossils. Ammonites belong to a group of predators known as
cephalopods, which includes their living relatives: the
Octopus, Squid, Cuttlefish, and Nautilus. While some Ammonites date from as far back
as around 240 million years ago, their earliest ancestors date back to over 400
million years ago. Ammonites are excellent "index fossils" allowing scientists
to link specific species to certain geologic time periods, up to the late
Cretaceous Period, 65 million years ago. The Cretaceous Period
ended with the mass extinction event [currently accepted theory involves Earth's
collision with an asteroid] that seems to have been responsible for the demise
of the dinosaurs, along with many other forms of life on Earth at that time,
including the Ammonites!
We have selected 11 Ammonite fossils crafted into Pendants in
Sterling Silver Bezel settings (completely surrounding the edges of the fossil)
for this listing. There were many species of
Ammonites and even after consulting with the manufacturer of these pendants, as
well as investing in several hours of research on my own, I am not willing to
speculate on which specific species these are. These specimens were all found
in Madagascar and seem to most closely resemble Ammonites that lived between 110
and 120 million years ago. These are genuine fossils, not cast reproductions.
Each fossil is individually selected for its quality, then cleaned and extracted
from its surrounding rock. The fossils were then carefully cut and
polished to reveal their beautiful and intricate internal structure. This
polishing can also bring out an iridescent outer layer on the reverse side, not visible when the
Ammonite was alive. This makes gem-quality Madagascar Ammonites highly prized.
Each pendant is custom made by hand, based on the
individual specimen, thus the slight variations visible in each of our pieces.
Each bail (jump-ring) features the shooting star logo of STARBORN CREATIONS
and/or the name STARBORN, and is also stamped 925 to authenticate that these are
Sterling Silver settings. To make this a complete gift, we also include an 18" (with a 2" extension) snake
chain. The chain that is included is Sterling Silver plating over Brass, NOT solid Sterling
Silver. As chain lengths and style are highly personal, it is possible to
easily replace the included gift chain with a different one of your choosing,
whether from your own collection or from your favorite
jeweler.
As much as a ruler and a
quarter are included in each photo for reference, all measurements below are to
the nearest 1/16th of an inch and are rounded down, NOT up. Measurements do not
include any length added as a result of measuring the bail or any part of its attaching structure--it is of the outside of the setting only, from top to
bottom, side to side at the widest point, and its thickest point. The listed
weight of each piece does not include the chain. All photos were taken with 3
daylight, color-balanced compact fluorescent bulbs to provide even and
consistent lighting results. As a result, I have NOT had to adjust the
brightness or contrast of the posted photos. They do show the most accurate
color and shading nuances. However, the bright "hot spots" visible around the
edge of the pendant's settings are the result of reflections from these lights. Please refer to the
numbers in each photo as that is the actual pendant that you will receive. Translucent along the thinner regions towards the edge, holding these pendants up to a bright light reveals beautiful hidden details of the internal structure. These pendants may show some degree of iridescence
(opalization) on the reverse/shell side. You may see
this in your chosen pendant when you receive it, handle it, and turn it from side
to side, although this is not always as obvious when viewed (or photographed)
straight on. As these specimens are meant to hang and be seen from the front, the backs aren't as finished and as a result, I have only shown one average rear view (last photo), not the reverse of each.
1) 13/16" X 11/16" X 1/8" - 2.6 grams
2) 13/16" X 5/8" X 3/16" - 2.4 grams
3) 3/4" X 11/16" X 1/8" - 2.2 grams--NO iridescence on the back
4) 15/16" X 3/4" X 1/8" - 3.4 grams--VERY nice iridescence on the back
5) 13/16" X 11/16" X 1/8" - 2.8 grams--nice iridescence on the back
6) 7/8" X 11/16" X 3/16" - 3.3 grams
7) 7/8" X 11/16" X 3/16" - 3.2 grams
8) 7/8" X 11/16" X 3/16" - 3.1 grams
9) 7/8" X 11/16" X 3/16" - 3.7 grams
10) 13/16" X 11/16" X 3/16" - 3.0 grams
11) 7/8" X 3/4" X 1/4" - 4.1 grams--just barely translucent along the thinnest edge
No #) Last Photo shows an average typical view of the reverse/shell side. Some may show some iridescence while others may not but none should be chosen on that basis so I haven't bothered to show the backs of each.
After deciding which item you want, be sure to include a note (with your purchase, if possible) through ebay, stating which numbered specimen you prefer. The above pictures are of the actual item that you will receive. You may want to include a second choice in case someone else's order comes in first. This is because I usually leave the photos of a sold specimen in the listing after a customer receives that item. This way, the specimen and the photo can be compared to be certain that you are satisfied. All orders will be honored in the order in which payment is received. If no numbered preference is included, we will pick out what we feel is the best choice available at that time.
STARBORN jewelry purchases are NOT eligible for our usual, multi-item postage refund, since the cost of postage is NOT figured in to the final selling price. We cover the cost of postage as our way of saying Thank You for your fine jewelry purchase. You can combine this with other non-STARBORN items that I am selling to receive a refund for each additional item after the first, once shipped, not including any STARBORN items. This refund reflects my savings in postage fees by combining your orders and is based on the total weight of the items. International buyers are eligible for the multi-item discount on all non-STARBORN purchases WHEN YOU USE THE SHOPPING CART FEATURE AND PAY FOR ALL OF YOUR ITEMS IN A SINGLE PAYMENT (which will ALWAYS help you to save on shipping for ALL multi-item international purchases) and receive free shipping to the Global Shipping Program Center in Kentucky, USA, but are responsible for all additional fees for postage, customs, tariffs, and/or any other import charges.
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE with our GUARANTEE! We have tried to present as clear a picture and description of each item as possible. However, if you are not happy with your decision, you can either exchange or return your STARBORN purchase, no questions asked, within 30 days of receiving it, as long as it is still in new, unaltered/undamaged condition, and returned with any/all accompanying paperwork or certification. Buyer is responsible for postage, both ways in the event of an exchange, and for return postage in the event of a return. All refunds on returns will be minus our original postage costs. Any questions? Contact me.