Components

*Bumblebee onyx from Indonesia cut by Eidos
*Freshwater pearls
*Spiny oyster and hematite cabs
*Sterling setting, findings, leverbacks
*Necklace is signed, numbered, dated

Length: 18" - 23" (46 cm - 58 cm) Shown on model at shortest length
Centerpiece: 2" high x 1.75" at widest (5 cm - 4.5 cm)
Weight: 4 oz (116 gm)

Earring drop length: 1.5" (4 cm)
Earring weight: 4.3 gm ea (a nickel weighs about 5 gm)

Item #589. Bumblebee Necklace and Earrings (set) - Sold

Bumblebee Necklace and Earrings

Bumblebee Necklace
Bumblebee Necklace Detail
Bumblebee Necklace Back
Bumblebee Necklace on model
Bumblebee Earrings
Bumblebee Necklace
Hover to zoom, Click to expand

Did you know that there is a stone bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) which takes its common name from its habit of nesting under stones? Neither did I. But we're not here to discuss stone bumblebees but rather bumblebee stones like the one in this necklace. It isn't hard to see where it got its name. Leigh called this "marble" but Zenz includes it, calling it a jasper though he admits that only the black areas show even partial silicification. Given his appreciation, it appears he includes it because it is so stunning and unusual even if he had to stretch a bit to fit it into his book on agates and jaspers.

Zenz mentions that the yellow in the stone may have "a close connection" to the sulfur deposits where it is found, but that's about as much information as anyone seems willing to share about the composition. Bumblebee is found near Mount Papandayan, one of the largest active volcanoes in Indonesia. You can find images on the web of the sulphur fumaroles and smoky atmosphere in the area.

Isn't it extraordinary that these gorgeous layers of color occur naturally and blend so beautifully with one another? In this case, my photo captures the colors accurately. Since I'm not much of a photographer, getting the colors took a lot of trial and error! The camera seemed to want to blast away the yellow and orange in an overexposed blur. It must have a preconceived notion in its logic circuits that says, "hey, nothing on this planet could possibly have yellow and orange stripes so I'll just lighten those up for you to white." Normally the camera is vastly more clever about choosing proper settings than I, so it was surprising to have so much trouble with this little rock.

It is interesting that even with the dramatic colors in the stone, you will find the necklace very versatile. It looks amazing on olive colors, yellow, charcoal and black. I assume it would also look beautiful on soft oranges, though since orange and I don't get along that well I had no orange to try it on.