Eytan Brandes Pendant Necklaces

This hamsa is one of Eytan Brandes' older designs, but he has realized it in many different iterations over the years, always keeping it fresh. In shimmery, satin-finished 18 karat yellow gold, this latest version is the first time he's tried opening up one side. The other side is pavé-set with 25 diamonds. In keeping with tradition, he used all different size stones because this design is one of Eytan's favorite ways of using diamonds from Eytan's Big Box o' Recycled Diamonds! These are stones, mostly of average or below average clarity -- pulled from the thousands of pieces of jewelry that have come through the store over the years on their way to be melted and made by Eytan into something better. The stones used for this pendant range in size from 0.8mm to 2.2mm for a total diamond weight of 0.78 carats. Eytan used diamonds that would be considered "slightly included," avoiding the ones that would be classified as "included." (In other words, he used SI1-2's and avoided the I's, with the exception of the stone at the very top, which is a straight I2.) Most of the stones are full cut, but since a lot of these diamonds came from older jewelry, there are a few single cuts as well. Meticulously set, everybody gets their job done, especially set against yellow gold, which can't help but elevate their color. All stones are earth-mined, natural and untreated. We love putting these stones to good use, and we love the way a bit of careful sorting can bring stones from 25 different pieces of uninspired jewelry together to act as a unified team in something new, beautiful and wearable. Go team! The bale* is teardrop-shaped and decent-sized (8.5mm x 6.5mm), allowing for many chain options, but we like our bright red carnelian bead necklace...