Lepidolite Cleopatra Necklace

Lepidolite is a lithium-bearing mica. The lavender-pink comes from manganese substitution in the crystal lattice. No two pieces of it look the same, and the matte surface reads differently than polished stone: quieter, more considered.

Here it sits in a three-strand collar. Upper strand: lepidolite rectangles spaced with magenta pink tile beads and gold seed beads. Middle strand: pink seed beads with magenta accents. Lower strand: iridescent silver-blue seed beads. Lavender glass leaf drops hang throughout. Purple dagger beads fill the gaps. A Y-drop of silver bugle beads at center carries a large lepidolite rectangle as the pendant.

The palette is spring without being precious about it. Soft where it needs to be, with enough magenta to keep it from disappearing.

Wear it with a white linen shirt, faded denim, or a sage cotton dress. For spring openings, a long lunch in a sunny window, or any day you want to look like you're already on vacation.

Construction:

• Lepidolite rectangle cabochons (upper strand)
• Magenta pink square tile bead accents and spacers
• Lavender glass leaf drops
• Purple oval and dagger glass beads
• Gold seed beads (upper strand)
• Pink seed beads (middle strand)
• Iridescent silver-blue seed beads (lower strand)
• Silver bugle bead Y-drop stem at center
• Large lepidolite rectangle center pendant drop
• Bugle bead chain
• Lobster claw clasp closure