The Zander
The Zander
Metal: 14K Yellow Gold
Stone: Sedimentary Stone with Quartz Vein
Size: Approx. 30mm x 15mm
Bale: Detachable 9mm enhancer
Chain: 14k gold, 1mm Ball Chain. 18” in length.
Note: We have done our best to identify these stones using the scratch testing method and research. That being said, the identification of each stone is based on our humble assessment and not guaranteed. Please bear with us, we’re learning!
The Evolution of a Stone
[Of a heart. Of a Woman. Of a mother.]
Like many of us, there have been infinite instances this year when I have felt dragged down by the heaviness of it all. Frightened by the growing chaos and the contraction of life. Powerless over forces so much larger than myself . And through it all, I longed to just turn my brain off. To be still. To be present. To be grateful for the abundance of gifts this life has given me. But in the midst of the madness, I could rarely find the ‘off’ button.
So, I did what I do, and I ran to the ocean.
It was during one of my escapes that I came across a stone unlike any other stone lying around. Its uniqueness and brilliance struck me. Right there in the stillness of it all was an object that wholly embodies surrender. All this object had to do was sit in dignified silence for a few centuries, surrendering to the great forces of weathering and erosion as it allowed itself to be completely transformed into something else.
You see, over thousands, sometimes millions of years, a stone is realized. It is born of a process that involves tremendous heat and unbearable pressure. It endures the test of time, violent storm-powered transportation , and the rocky accumulation of new fragments of earth along its tumultuous journey. Some break open, hot earth penetrating every tiny crevasse of its makeup, shattering its bones into a hundred tiny pieces—only for water to solidify and crystalize, filling in cracks that have been forged by destruction.
These stones did not call the process suffering. They did not call it anything at all. They simply stayed in process, allowing nature to fabricate them into what they were always meant to be.
They were becoming.
Over the next 6 months, I explored the Malibu coast, often getting there before dawn, at high tide, climbing up and down massive rock formations to hunt for beautiful objects. Head down, eyes soft. It became a meditation. Hours would pass. And people would pass, some thinking me crazy. One woman asked if I had lost something. “No,” I told her. “I’m just looking for stones.” But the truth is, I had lost something, and it was through this practice I began a homecoming.
I became a collector of stones. My intention was never to sell these objects. I solely sought to send them to those I had been separated from; the ones I love. To be worn in remembrance and close to the heart, serving as a reminder of everything I had come to value, as a point of connection. It was through this that I became curious about the practice of drilling and polishing. The thing is, I had never dealt with rough stones before, nor created a piece of jewelry from soup to nuts. But it felt important to invest in every part of the process. So, I picked up a drill—and a thousand books—and began to forge tiny holes into delicate rock. The work was hard and frustrating and literally painful. There were many nights when I would look up from my desk with stone dust covering every possible surface and think, “What the hell am I doing? I sell antique jewelry. This is crazy.” But I just kept going.
I fell deep, studying the geological landscape of California and seeking to understand how an organic object is formed and identified. This process has developed into a practice and along the way it has taught me more than I expected. Connection, curiosity, play and real presence, to start.
That is what I wish to pass on.
My whole heart. A labor of love. An object of adornment, to be worn as a symbol of what connects us all. The earth, the tides, the salt, the beauty of the magnificent swell. My hope is that this abundant energy is portrayed through each piece and onto you.
Every stone has been imperfectly drilled and prepared by hand, finished off with a bale or enhancer that has been custom made right here in the USA. My wish is that each pendant brings you a little closer to what’s important. That you hold the ones you love tight, in body and heart. Above all, I hope these beautiful pieces of earth help remind you that sometimes the only thing left to do is surrender and embrace the infinite aspects of nature in all her wisdom and glory.
When you purchase this magnificent treasure, we will donate 100% of profits to Project HOPE Alliance, a California-based non-profit dedicated to helping children who are in the grips of homelessness. Founded in 1989 by a schoolteacher who began assisting homeless children with their schoolwork from her car, the organization has grown to help hundreds of children and families overcome homelessness and secure an education. From food to shelter, Project HOPE Alliance works to remove the barriers that stand in the way of a child’s basic needs by providing the opportunity to achieve an education, fulfill their potential, and find a safe, stable place.
We are supporting Project HOPE Alliance because we believe that education not only has the potential to break the cycle of poverty, it has the power to shape the future of the world that we live in. When future generations experience care and well-being, they are better positioned to care for each other and the world.
How to Care: To preserve the integrity of each stone, we do not use any sealant or lacquer; therefore, each tiny treasure comes to you in its natural state and will require light care. To condition your piece, we suggest using a dab of raw coconut oil. This allows the stone to shine beautifully and will enhance its incredible color. TO USE: You’ll need very little coconut oil (a tiny dab goes a very long way between the hands) and we suggest gently massaging into stone for a few seconds and voila!
While not required by any means, repeating this process 1x a week will ensure your treasure is absolutely magnificent, and will continue to have that beautiful luster we all love.
Last note: Please avoid allowing the stone to come in contact with any harsh chemicals such as vinegar, bleach. These acidic chemicals will strip away the stones top layers and dry these beauties out, causing the piece to become extremely porous.
Regardless, your stone may darken slightly over time, due to body oils & any lotions to soaps that may be used on the skin daily. Just go with it! This will enhance its character and beauty, we assure you.