The Rat Spine Heart Pendant 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 pendant is formed from rat spine shapes arranged into a heart, creating a piece that holds both tenderness and unease. Cast in sterling silver, the spine forms become a lasting wearable object with a refined, slightly gothic presence.
This pendant is available with your choice of freshwater pearl or onyx drops. Freshwater pearls add soft organic lustre to the sculptural spine heart, while onyx brings a darker, more gothic contrast. The result is intimate, symbolic and connected to my ongoing interest in natural history, ethical specimen work, memory and preservation.
Materials: Sterling silver, with a choice of freshwater pearls or onyx.
Process: Each necklace is handmade in small quantities using traditional silversmithing and casting techniques. The original rat spine was carefully moulded before the forms were arranged into the heart shape and cast in sterling silver. Slight differences in texture, finish, pearl and gemstone character should be expected as part of the handmade process.
Dimensions: Pendant: 5 cm x 4 cm. 45cm length chain.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more necklaces.
FAQ
Q1: 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 made with respect for the original specimen.
Q2: What does the heart shape symbolise in this pendant?
A: The heart shape brings tenderness to the natural bone forms, creating a contrast between love, mortality and remembrance. Within the Curios Collection, it reflects the connection between beauty, fragility and the fleeting nature of life.
Q3: How do I clean the Rat Spine Heart Pendant?
A: Avoid perfumes, lotions and harsh chemicals, and gently polish the sterling silver with a soft jewellery cloth. Because the pendant includes freshwater pearls and onyx, do not place the pearls or stone in silver dip. A silver dip may be used occasionally on the sterling silver components only, following the product instructions carefully before rinsing and drying completely.
The Rat Spine Heart Pendant 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 pendant is formed from rat spine shapes arranged into a heart, creating a piece that holds both tenderness and unease. Cast in sterling silver, the spine forms become a lasting wearable object with a refined, slightly gothic presence.
This pendant is available with your choice of freshwater pearl or onyx drops. Freshwater pearls add soft organic lustre to the sculptural spine heart, while onyx brings a darker, more gothic contrast. The result is intimate, symbolic and connected to my ongoing interest in natural history, ethical specimen work, memory and preservation.
Materials: Sterling silver, with a choice of freshwater pearls or onyx.
Process: Each necklace is handmade in small quantities using traditional silversmithing and casting techniques. The original rat spine was carefully moulded before the forms were arranged into the heart shape and cast in sterling silver. Slight differences in texture, finish, pearl and gemstone character should be expected as part of the handmade process.
Dimensions: Pendant: 5 cm x 4 cm. 45cm length chain.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more necklaces.
FAQ
Q1: 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 made with respect for the original specimen.
Q2: What does the heart shape symbolise in this pendant?
A: The heart shape brings tenderness to the natural bone forms, creating a contrast between love, mortality and remembrance. Within the Curios Collection, it reflects the connection between beauty, fragility and the fleeting nature of life.
Q3: How do I clean the Rat Spine Heart Pendant?
A: Avoid perfumes, lotions and harsh chemicals, and gently polish the sterling silver with a soft jewellery cloth. Because the pendant includes freshwater pearls and onyx, do not place the pearls or stone in silver dip. A silver dip may be used occasionally on the sterling silver components only, following the product instructions carefully before rinsing and drying completely.
