There's lots of snowflake obsidian and obsidian in my jewelry box. Let's start with obsidian. This deep black gemstone is actually volcanic glass, formed when molten lava cools suddenly. Anyone who will be messing around cutting and grinding obsidian will do well to heed the warnings about the razor sharp curved edges that form when obsidian fractures.

Snowflake obsidian, which is found in Utah and Wyoming, has white crystallites that look for all the world like snowflakes. The pendant in this necklace is another one from Two Cranes. The white strand is 4 mm coin-shape freshwater pearls and 4 mm faceted obsidian beads. The other strand is 4 mm faceted obsidian beads alternating with 4 mm snowflake obsidian rounds and Tai silver spacers. I worked the strands from the pendant outward. I'm fond of asymmetry, so in the pearl strand, I started with a group seven pearls then an obsidian bead. I added 4 beads to each successive group.

Depending on what I'm wearing with the necklace, I may want it shorter. Twirling the strands makes them intertwine. The lobster claw clasp keep the stands intertwined.

Next week: Sugilite

Toni