The Magpie Skull & Amethyst Necklace is a handcrafted sterling silver necklace made in Adelaide, South Australia by Olivia Dryden. It belongs to the Curios Collection, where natural history, memento mori symbolism and careful craftsmanship meet.
The design centres on a magpie skull form, recreated in sterling silver as a quiet study of structure, memory and natural beauty. Paired with amethyst, the necklace brings a gentle violet tone to the sculptural silver skull, softening its gothic symbolism with colour, light and mineral variation.
This necklace is a one-off piece, made as a singular work rather than a repeatable design. The specific combination of magpie skull, amethyst, freshwater pearls and chain details is unique to this necklace.
The result is a distinctive piece of memento mori jewellery: refined, slightly gothic and connected to my ongoing interest in natural history, ethical specimen work and preservation.
Materials: Sterling silver and amethyst
Process: Each necklace is handmade in small quantities using traditional silversmithing and casting techniques. Slight differences in texture, finish, pearl and gemstone character should be expected as part of the handmade process.
Dimensions: Necklace length: 42 cm, with 3 cm extension chain.
Magpie skull: 5 cm.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more necklaces.
FAQ
Q1: Is the Magpie Skull & Amethyst Necklace made from a real skull?
A: The finished necklace is made from sterling silver, not bone. The design began with a real magpie skull, which was carefully moulded so its natural structure, beak form and surface detail could be preserved. That mould was then used to cast the skull in sterling silver, creating a lasting metal version of the original specimen.
Q2: Are the animal specimens ethically sourced?
A: Yes. Animal specimens used in Olivia Dryden Jewellery are sourced from animals that have passed from unpreventable causes, and each piece is created with respect for the original specimen.
Q3: Are the Magpie Skull & Amethyst Necklace suitable as a gift?
A: Yes. Each piece is packaged in an Olivia Dryden Jewellery branded box or velvet bag and is suited to collectors who appreciate handmade jewellery with story, natural detail and quiet symbolism.
The Magpie Skull & Amethyst Necklace is a handcrafted sterling silver necklace made in Adelaide, South Australia by Olivia Dryden. It belongs to the Curios Collection, where natural history, memento mori symbolism and careful craftsmanship meet.
The design centres on a magpie skull form, recreated in sterling silver as a quiet study of structure, memory and natural beauty. Paired with amethyst, the necklace brings a gentle violet tone to the sculptural silver skull, softening its gothic symbolism with colour, light and mineral variation.
This necklace is a one-off piece, made as a singular work rather than a repeatable design. The specific combination of magpie skull, amethyst, freshwater pearls and chain details is unique to this necklace.
The result is a distinctive piece of memento mori jewellery: refined, slightly gothic and connected to my ongoing interest in natural history, ethical specimen work and preservation.
Materials: Sterling silver and amethyst
Process: Each necklace is handmade in small quantities using traditional silversmithing and casting techniques. Slight differences in texture, finish, pearl and gemstone character should be expected as part of the handmade process.
Dimensions: Necklace length: 42 cm, with 3 cm extension chain.
Magpie skull: 5 cm.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more necklaces.
FAQ
Q1: Is the Magpie Skull & Amethyst Necklace made from a real skull?
A: The finished necklace is made from sterling silver, not bone. The design began with a real magpie skull, which was carefully moulded so its natural structure, beak form and surface detail could be preserved. That mould was then used to cast the skull in sterling silver, creating a lasting metal version of the original specimen.
Q2: Are the animal specimens ethically sourced?
A: Yes. Animal specimens used in Olivia Dryden Jewellery are sourced from animals that have passed from unpreventable causes, and each piece is created with respect for the original specimen.
Q3: Are the Magpie Skull & Amethyst Necklace suitable as a gift?
A: Yes. Each piece is packaged in an Olivia Dryden Jewellery branded box or velvet bag and is suited to collectors who appreciate handmade jewellery with story, natural detail and quiet symbolism.
