Description
Labradorite Necklace – British Handcrafted Gemstone Jewellery from Devon
This exquisite Labradorite necklace is a stunning piece of British handmade jewellery, created in Devon and measuring 19 inches in length. Each labradorite bead has been carefully selected and hand-polished to reveal its signature iridescent flashes of colour, known as labradorescence. The necklace shown in the photograph is the exact specimen you will receive. All of our jewellery pieces are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Gemstone Overview – The Magic of Labradorite
Labradorite is a remarkable feldspar mineral famous for its vibrant optical effect — an iridescent play of colours that can include blue, green, gold, violet, and orange. This phenomenon, known as labradorescence, occurs when light enters the stone, reflects between layers within its crystal structure, and refracts back in shimmering hues.
First discovered on the Labrador Peninsula in Canada in 1770, this mineral has since been found in other parts of the world, including Finland, Madagascar, Russia, and Norway. It is a member of the plagioclase feldspar group and is composed mainly of sodium, calcium, aluminium, and silicate. Its captivating colour play makes it one of the most admired semi-precious stones used in fine jewellery today.
Geological and Mineralogical Details
- Mineral Name: Labradorite
- Chemical Formula: (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈
- Mineral Group: Feldspar (Plagioclase Series)
- Crystal System: Triclinic
- Hardness: 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale
- Lustre: Vitreous to pearly
- Transparency: Translucent to opaque
- Optical Effect: Labradorescence (iridescent colour play caused by internal light diffraction)
- Typical Colours: Grey-green to dark blue base with iridescent flashes of blue, green, gold, or violet
Labradorite forms within igneous rocks, particularly anorthosite, as a result of slow crystallisation from magma deep within the Earth’s crust. The internal lamellar structure, responsible for its iridescence, develops through exsolution — the process by which two minerals separate into fine intergrowths as they cool.
This unique optical property means that each labradorite stone is truly individual, with its own natural pattern of flashes that seem to shift and dance as light passes across the surface.
British Craftsmanship – Handmade in Devon
This necklace has been handmade in Devon, England, by skilled artisans who specialise in natural gemstone jewellery. Each bead of labradorite has been hand-selected and polished to bring out its most striking visual qualities. The beads are securely strung and evenly spaced, creating a well-balanced and elegant piece that drapes beautifully when worn.
At 19 inches in length, the necklace sits comfortably around the neck and pairs perfectly with both casual and formal attire. The artisanal craftsmanship ensures durability and comfort without compromising aesthetic refinement. Each necklace is finished to a professional standard, celebrating the natural beauty of the mineral while highlighting its geological origins.
Optical and Aesthetic Qualities
The beauty of labradorescence is what makes this gemstone truly extraordinary. Depending on the light and viewing angle, the stone reveals flashes of deep sapphire blue, emerald green, gold, and even subtle violet tones. This optical phenomenon is not due to surface colouration but to internal interference of light, giving labradorite its mesmerising depth and energy.
Collectors and jewellery enthusiasts prize labradorite for its ability to appear understated in subdued lighting and brilliantly radiant under direct light. Its shifting colours evoke a sense of mystery, often compared to the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), which it visually resembles.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Labradorite has long been celebrated in folklore and gemology. It was believed by the Inuit peoples that the stone captured the light of the Aurora Borealis, frozen within the rock. In metaphysical traditions, it is often referred to as the “Stone of Transformation”, associated with protection, intuition, and awakening one’s inner strength.
From a historical standpoint, labradorite became especially popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, when it was used in fine jewellery across Europe for its otherworldly optical qualities. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after gemstones for both aesthetic and symbolic reasons.
Formation and Geological Context
Labradorite typically occurs in igneous and metamorphic environments, where it forms within the slowly cooled magma chambers of the Earth’s crust. It is often found alongside minerals such as olivine, magnetite, and pyroxene, and its reflective layers indicate a complex geological history involving deep Earth crystallisation and tectonic uplift.
High-quality labradorite, such as that used in this necklace, is selected for its clarity of iridescence and durability. The hand-polishing process further enhances the optical effect, allowing the internal structure to reflect light more vividly.
Authenticity and Presentation
Every labradorite necklace we offer is a genuine specimen made from natural, untreated stones. The crystals have been carefully prepared and hand-assembled to create a unique, elegant piece of jewellery.
Your necklace will arrive with a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying its natural geological origin and confirming that it was handmade in Devon, United Kingdom. Each piece is photographed individually, and the image displayed shows the exact necklace you will receive. A 1cm scale cube is included in the image for accurate size reference.
The necklace is presented with care and attention to detail, ensuring it makes a beautiful addition to any jewellery collection or a memorable gift for a loved one.
Collector and Gift Appeal
This Labradorite necklace embodies both the artistry of British craftsmanship and the wonder of Earth’s natural geology. Its captivating flashes of colour, expert finish, and timeless design make it a perfect piece for gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, or anyone who appreciates the connection between the natural world and fine handcraft.
With its iridescent play of light and rich geological story, this necklace captures the magic of labradorite and the skill of Devon’s artisan jewellers — a truly unique piece to treasure for years to come.
Jewellery Type: Necklace
Gemstone: Labradorite (Feldspar Mineral)
Length: 19 inches
Origin: Handcrafted in Devon, United Kingdom
Composition: (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈
Hardness: 6–6.5 Mohs
Lustre: Vitreous to pearly
Optical Effect: Labradorescence
Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen – Certificate of Authenticity included
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