Tanya Lochridge

Since pietersite has been pretty hard to come by over the past few years, you can imagine the joy I felt when I saw a few mighty specimens in Tucson. I had to do everything in my power not to do cartwheels in the aisle. That would have caused a stir I'm sure especially once the paramedics loaded me in the ambulance. If you aren’t familiar with pietersite you are in for a treat. Little sparkly rivers of grayish-blue crystals run through various shades of browns and blues. Pietersite is one of just a handful of gemstones in the world that have the characteristic of chatoyancy. Tiger eye is one of the other more common stones with this unique property. All scientific mumble-jumble (or is it mumbo-jumbo?) aside -- I simply love this gemstone. By now you know for me it all starts with the gemstone. I scour my sources to find the prettiest of stones and then I work to design a piece of jewelry that really showcases each gem. Before it leaves my studio, each piece has to make me happy when I see it and when I wear it. In this case, the stones and the finished product are pure heaven. Closing with a sterling silver clasp, measures 18" and can be twisted slightly for a shorter look.

This is the perfect look for the Paige Collins character on the USA Network show Royal Pains. Also, don't you think the Shirley Schmidt character on the old Boston Legal would have loved this design? And, there are a few characters from the RHONYC who would probably love this necklace. Let's not overlook Mrs. Obama -- she seems to have a penchant for these multi-strand looks. Made in the USA of domestic and imported components. Made in the USA of domestic and imported components. From the Tanya Lochridge Jewelry Trunk Show Collection.