- Tamar Collection: Second Light
- Cascade Amethyst Stalactite Necklace
Cascade Amethyst Stalactite Necklace
Cascade Amethyst Stalactite Necklace
This is Cascade, a one-of-a-kind amethyst stalactite necklace built to drop and command. The slice is angled down rather than set horizontal, which is what gives it movement instead of stillness.
To hold it I folded large 24k gold vermeil circles over a wooden dowel, widened the stone's single anchor hole with a diamond-tip reamer, and threaded layers of 14k gold-filled wire through until the web held the circles firm. Then I covered the vermeil entirely: crown-cut mixed beryl, aquamarine briolettes, sapphires in pink, purple, green and gray, green topaz, gray moonstone, kunzite and keshi pearls. The left side stays lighter, edged in mystic labradorite, so the right side can sing.
Three rows of chevron-patterned chain layer into one band and give the stalactite its counterweight, then waterfall at the bottom into a triple drop, each drop anchored by a simple-cut green amethyst rectangle. The clasp is a vermeil two-strand bar with a third hole drilled by hand, so all three chains carry at slightly varied lengths and lay cleanly around the neck.
It moves from a bare neckline over a white tee to evening without asking much of you. The stone does the talking.
Cascade was built once by Andrea Li in her Denver studio, and no other necklace carries this stalactite.
Necklace Length vs. Drop
Circumference / Length: The full measurement of the chain or strand from end to end (including the clasp): 18 inches
Drop: How far the necklace hangs down onto your chest: 6 ½ inches
• Part of the Stalactite trio — see also Awakening Necklace and the Ember cuff.
Ships same day (Mon–Wed orders before 4pm MT) FedEx 2-Day | Fully Insured | Signature Required 14-day returns | Full shipping & returns policy →
This is Cascade, a one-of-a-kind amethyst stalactite necklace built to drop and command. The slice is angled down rather than set horizontal, which is what gives it movement instead of stillness.
To hold it I folded large 24k gold vermeil circles over a wooden dowel, widened the stone's single anchor hole with a diamond-tip reamer, and threaded layers of 14k gold-filled wire through until the web held the circles firm. Then I covered the vermeil entirely: crown-cut mixed beryl, aquamarine briolettes, sapphires in pink, purple, green and gray, green topaz, gray moonstone, kunzite and keshi pearls. The left side stays lighter, edged in mystic labradorite, so the right side can sing.
Three rows of chevron-patterned chain layer into one band and give the stalactite its counterweight, then waterfall at the bottom into a triple drop, each drop anchored by a simple-cut green amethyst rectangle. The clasp is a vermeil two-strand bar with a third hole drilled by hand, so all three chains carry at slightly varied lengths and lay cleanly around the neck.
It moves from a bare neckline over a white tee to evening without asking much of you. The stone does the talking.
Cascade was built once by Andrea Li in her Denver studio, and no other necklace carries this stalactite.
Necklace Length vs. Drop
Circumference / Length: The full measurement of the chain or strand from end to end (including the clasp): 18 inches
Drop: How far the necklace hangs down onto your chest: 6 ½ inches
• Part of the Stalactite trio — see also Awakening Necklace and the Ember cuff.
Ships same day (Mon–Wed orders before 4pm MT) FedEx 2-Day | Fully Insured | Signature Required 14-day returns | Full shipping & returns policy →
From the bench
The stalactite slice is set downward into large 24k gold vermeil circles I fold by hand over a wooden dowel to get a clean crease.
Because the stone is substantial it needed a chain with equal presence, so the body is chevron-patterned 14k gold-filled chain layered in three rows to read as one thick band.
Setting it point-down is what makes those three rows fall like water instead of sitting still.
Why this stalactite is set point-down| Cascade | Typical alternative | |
|---|---|---|
| Center stone | Amethyst geode stalactite slice, angled down into a folded 24k vermeil setting secured with layered 14k gold-filled wirework | Faceted amethyst cabochon in a standard prong setting |
| Metal | 24k gold vermeil circles + 14k gold-filled wire and chains, hand-fabricated | Gold-plated base metal |
| Construction | One of a kind, hand-built in Denver; the cluster and stalactite are assembled once and never repeated | Mass-produced, repeated across identical pieces |
| Chain detail | Triple chevron-chain waterfall drop at custom varied lengths, anchored by green amethyst rectangular stones | A single fine chain with a pendant bail |
| Cluster | Cascading gemstone cluster — aquamarine, mixed beryl, sapphires, kunzite, pearls, and mystic labradorite edging, hand-set across folded vermeil circles | A single accent stone or no cluster |
| Clasp | Vermeil two-strand bar clasp with a hand-drilled third hole to carry all three chains cleanly | Standard lobster clasp on a single strand |
What is an amethyst stalactite?
An amethyst stalactite is a cross-section of a natural stalactite that formed inside a geode cavity over millions of years. Sliced, it reveals amethyst crystals radiating outward from a hollow center, surrounded by agate and chalcedony banding. No two slices share the same pattern or crystal formation. You can read more in my Amethyst Stalactite gemstone guide.
Is Cascade one of a kind?
Yes. Cascade is built once and never repeated. The stalactite itself is a single natural slice I will not find another of, and the gemstone cluster covering the folded vermeil circles is assembled one time and then it is done. No other necklace will carry this exact configuration.
Is there a matching bracelet or necklace?
Yes. Cascade is part of the Stalactite trio, alongside Awakening (the horizontal heavy-chain stalactite necklace) and the Ember cuff bracelet. Each piece uses the same amethyst stalactite family and shares the soft, muted gemstone palette, so they layer naturally as a set.
How should I care for this necklace?
Amethyst is Mohs 7, but the cluster includes softer stones like pearls and kunzite, so treat the whole piece gently. Store Cascade away from harder jewelry, keep it clear of perfume and moisture, and wipe with a soft dry cloth. The 14k gold-filled chains and 24k vermeil hold their color well with basic care.
