English Garden Mystery Stone Sterling Silver Pendant | Ben & Bryant Collection

Some stones come with clear labels and known origins. This one came with a story and a mystery.

Ben purchased this cabochon from a stone dealer on Instagram in Indonesia, who claimed he acquired it from two men in a canoe from a remote outer island. He was pretty sure they were cannibals. We'll never know.

When the cabochon was cut, the soft lavender tones, scattered white shapes, and earthy inclusions looked almost like a tiny English garden frozen in stone, which is how the piece earned its name. We’ve shown this stone to multiple collectors and rock experts, and the answers have ranged; everyone calls it something different, and no one agrees. For now, it remains exactly what it started as: a beautiful geological mystery. We have our ideas, but we aren't going to tell you it's something if we really don't know for sure. 

Ben Davis did the lapidary work, and Randy Bryant did the silverwork. It has a beautiful melted edge and solid silver back. 

Details

• Stone: Unknown “English Garden” Mystery Stone
• Origin: Reportedly from a remote outer island in Indonesia
• Metal: Solid .925 Sterling Silver
• Artists: Ben Davis (lapidary) & Randy Bryant (silversmith)
• Formation: Unknown natural stone with plume-like and botanical-looking mineral patterns
• Includes a BDD suede jewelry pouch and polishing cloth.