Vintage Sterling Silver Solitaire Pendant with Natural Hematite Drop

This classic vintage pendant showcases a wonderful approximately 30 mm x 18 mm natural Hematite teardrop hanging from a Sterling Silver bale. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit, this pendant is a must-have for jewelry or gemstone lovers. This classically simple pendant measures approximately 37.4 mm tall, including the bale, which can accommodate a chain up to 2.9 mm in diameter. This beautiful, handmade, circa-1990's pendant weighs approximately 7.15 grams and is in very good condition.

Hematite is a captivating iron oxide mineral celebrated for its striking metallic luster and profound historical legacy. When cut and polished, it transforms into a sleek, mirror-like gemstone with a deep, gunmetal gray to near-black surface that catches the light with a brilliant, reflective sheen. Yet, beneath this cold, industrial exterior lies a secret: its name derives from the Greek word for blood, haima, owing to the intense, rust-red streak it leaves behind when ground or scratched. This hidden crimson nature made it an essential pigment for prehistoric cave painters and a stone of protection for ancient Roman soldiers, who associated it with Mars, the god of war. Dense, surprisingly heavy in the hand, and beautifully grounding, Hematite effortlessly bridges the gap between raw, geological power and sophisticated, modern jewelry design.