This one-of-a-kind necklace features a beautifully preserved Petoskey stone, Michigan’s state fossil, showcasing its intricate hexagonal patterns formed by ancient coral. Expertly electroformed in copper, the pendant combines the raw elegance of natural stone with the warm, rustic charm of copper.
Suspended on a sturdy chain, this piece offers a timeless connection to nature and history. Perfect for nature lovers, fossil enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a meaningful, artisan-crafted accessory. Wear it as a statement of individuality or gift it to someone who cherishes the beauty of the natural world.
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Handcrafted with care in Michigan.
What is a Petoskey Stone?
The Petoskey Stone has been Michigan’s official state stone since 1965 and holds a fascinating history that dates back over 350 million years. This unique fossilized coral is named after Chief Pet-O-Sega, an Ottawa Indian leader whose name means “rays of the rising sun.” The stone’s intricate cell pattern resembles sun rays, making the name particularly fitting.
Scientifically known as Hexagonaria Percarinata, the Petoskey Stone is a type of Rugosa coral that thrived during the Devonian period when the Michigan Basin was located near the equator and covered by a shallow, tropical sea. This environment provided the perfect conditions for coral reefs to flourish. Over time, these ancient corals died, settled on the sea floor, and were buried under layers of silt and mud.
As millions of years passed, tectonic plate movement shifted the Michigan Basin northward to its current location. During the Ice Age, glaciers scoured the landscape, unearthing and scattering these fossilized corals across Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, where they can still be found today.
What is Electroforming?
Electroforming is an intricate process that combines art and science to plate copper onto objects, creating unique and durable designs. The process begins by applying a special copper-conductive paint to the areas intended for plating. The piece is then submerged in a custom-made acidic solution, called a plating bath, and connected to a power supply. This allows copper ions to transfer one by one onto the painted surface, gradually building up a solid copper layer.
Depending on the size and complexity of the piece, the electroforming process can take anywhere from 12 to 36 hours. Once the desired thickness is achieved, the piece is removed from the bath, neutralized, and finished. The copper can be sealed to preserve its bright, shiny appearance or treated with a patina to create an antique, textured look that enhances the design’s depth.
The process involves much more than just electroforming—it begins with careful preparation, including sculpting, sealing, and designing the base piece. Each creation is truly a labor of love, with some taking up to a week to complete due to the many meticulous steps involved.