Petrified Sycamore Wood Pendant – 17 Million Year Old Fossil Tree | Ben & Bryant Collection
This pendant holds a piece of a 17-million-year-old tree. Ben cut this petrified sycamore cabochon to reveal the incredible natural pattern preserved within the fossilized wood, where the original grain and cellular structure of the tree remain visible even after millions of years.
Petrified wood forms when ancient trees are buried by volcanic ash or sediment, and mineral-rich groundwater slowly replaces the organic material cell by cell. In this case, the sycamore wood was preserved during a volcanic basalt flow, allowing silica minerals to replicate the tree's original structure while turning it into stone. The result is a remarkable natural record of a forest that existed millions of years ago.
The stone is set in solid .925 sterling silver, hand-crafted in Texas by geologist and lapidary artist Ben Davis with master silversmith Randy Bryant. Randy designed the vertical hammered silver frame to echo the form and texture of a tree trunk, giving the piece a subtle natural rhythm that complements the fossilized wood. The pendant also features a full sterling silver back and a large bale that accommodates a wide variety of chains.
Each piece in the Ben & Bryant Collection celebrates geology, craftsmanship, and the beauty of natural stone.
Details
• Stone: Petrified sycamore wood
• Age: Approximately 17 million years old
• Geology: Petrified wood forms when mineral-rich groundwater replaces the organic material of buried trees while preserving the original grain and cellular structure.
• Metal: Solid .925 sterling silver with a full sterling back
• Crafted By: Geologist and lapidary artist Ben Davis with master silversmith Randy Bryant
• Made In: Texas, USA
• Design: Hammered sterling silver frame inspired by the vertical form of a tree trunk
• One of a Kind: Every fossilized wood pattern is unique — this exact piece will never exist again
• Included: Includes a 24" adjustable .925 sterling silver chain, plus a soft suede jewelry bag and polishing cloth for storage and care