Crossroads

Old Red Glass Massai Trade Beads, Antiqued Silver, Leather and Silver Terra Cotta Crossroads Pendant

Crossroads has been sold, but if you like this style, let me know! I would love to work with you on a custom-designed piece of jewelry. Just send me a note at kelly@xogallery.com and we'll get started!

Sold Price: $300

Bold and striking, this awesome pendant necklace is a sure way to get noticed and make a statement! This dramatic neck piece is a luscious fusion of modern day silver and wire and ancient earthy red African trade beads. This versatile necklace will be a wonderful addition to any jewelry collection and will fill you with energy and a sense of power. This is a great new take on the classic red and silver look.

More modern a look than most of my jewelry, this enticing neck piece was inspired by Carla, one of my biggest fans, and was originally a custom piece that we worked on together. She has a great eye for statement pieces of jewelry and worked with me to design this necklace, the Crossroads Bracelet and both the Silver Lake Necklace and Silver Lake Bracelet. These are all modern and bold eye-catching pieces that have an overall contemporary style, but just enough earthiness to make them warm and soulful.

The spectacular red beads are old glass Massai trade beads found in Nigeria. They date back to the days of African trade and are historically called African Trade Beads. They were made in Venice during the European expansion period, mostly from the 19th century. Beads were made in vast quantities during this period and traded in Africa for gold, ivory, palm oil and slaves. These particular beads are rare and vary greatly from bead to bead, many showing their age and use.

Super cool and engaging, the oversize pendant is an original medallion handmade in Greece from a unique mix of terra cotta clays, kiln-fired, heavily coated with pure silver and then antiqued. It has a definite antique look with a primitive hieroglyphic-like design that Carla immediately thought could be a crossroads symbol, hence the name of the piece. The three silver beads in the necklace are all silver-coated terra cotta from Greece.

Genuine dark leather and earthy brass wire add to the primitive qualities of the necklace helping to provide a balance to the modernity of the piece. This versatile pendant necklace closes with sterling silver cuttlebone rings and an oversize brass lobster clasp. It can be adjusted from 16 to 20 inches in length using the attached brass chain.