This pendant symbolises Malta today, a fusion of it’s ancient past with gender neutral modern design by Tara Lois.

30 million years ago the second oldest rock forming the Maltese Islands started to be created and it is this limestone layer which today is quarried for building stone. Very rarely a cavern is found with stalagmites and stalactites but previously these have been discarded but now these unwanted by-products are being collected for Tara Lois to turn into jewellery.

Almost all Maltese buildings are rectangular and built with rectangular limestone blocks, which is symbolised by the primary shape of the pendant. However the internal shape and stylised textured surface embossing were inspired by the caves and their formations.

The process of handcrafting the pendant is equally a merging of modern and ancient skills. The ancient stalactite stone is shaped and polished by hand into carefully drilled cylinders, by a Maltese artisan, before being set like the precious material they truly are, in recycled 925/sterling silver jewellery.

The silver ring is created using state-of-the-art CAD drawings to print 3D wax models. Tara Lois then casts these by hand using ancestral techniques in her Gozo workshop and the result of each casting has slight variations to texture and finish and every stone is unique. A Maltese business also supplied the leather cord.

If you are looking for a unique memory of Malta today then this pendant is a truly contemporary expression of the fascinating story of Malta today – a fusion of the ancient and modern.

Approx pendant size: 7.5cm long x 2.3cm wide x 0.8cm deep, on an adjustable leather cord minimum length 40cm/maximum 80cm colours may vary and different colours are available. Hand made in sustainable 925 sterling silver with an ethically sourced hand cut Maltese stalactite or stalagmite.

©Tara Mansell, All Design Rights Protected

Our jewellery is also sold through international galleries so please contact us so we can check availability to be sure this has not already been bought.

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