ITEM DETAILS
- .925 Sterling Silver
- Real Hemlock Pinecone foraged along the trail to Mount Katahdin
- Organics Casting in solid sterling silver
- Each cone measures around 5mm x 10mm
- Strung upon your choice chain length:
- 16" Beaded Sterling Silver Chain
- 18" Beaded Sterling Silver Chain
- Tagged with my maker's mark for authenticity
- Handmade in Maine in my home studio
- Please note that with organic castings there will be variation in each cone- perfectly imperfect, just as in nature!
STORY BEHIND THE ART
We summited Maine's highest peak, Mount Katahdin, when I was six months pregnant with our daughter. Up until giving birth, it was the hardest thing I had ever done. Climbing to the iconic terminus of the Appalachian Trail was not only a feat in and of itself, but also marked the completion of a huge goal that I my husband and I had begun many years before. We sought out to climb ALL 67 of New England's peaks over 4000 feet. We chipped away at this goal for years, hiking hundreds of miles in rain, snow and sun. We gained mental fortitude, learned about ourselves and grew deeper in friendship, partnership and love. In fact, it was on trail when we finally realized we wanted to become parents. So, we felt it fitting to complete this huge goal before embarking upon our next adventure: parenthood. Naturally, we saved the highest and hardest peak for last.
After hours of arduous hiking, and scrambling along the treacherous Knife's Edge trail, we finally reached the summit our 67th mountain: KATAHDIN. It was surreal. I did it. I had carried both myself and my baby up a peak we had dreamed about climbing for years. I felt strong, empowered and ready for motherhood. It was an emotional and monumental accomplishment that marked the bittersweet end of our life two, and the thrilling beginning to our life as three. It was one of the most transformative experiences in our entire lives, one we will cherish forever.
As an artist, I wanted to commemorate our journey with a tangible memento. Along the trail, I foraged pinecones with the intention of creating something special. When I found the tiniest adolescent hemlock cone, I was so enamored with it's petite perfection that I needed to immortalize it forever. I cast it in sterling silver, made a mold to replicate it's beauty and created a pair. I crafted them into simple pendants and strung them upon a delicate beaded chains. A petite pinecone for my daughter and a matching one for myself; our very first family heirlooms to wear together. A reminder of the first mountain we climbed together, and those we would summit together in the future. A tangible way to stay connected to each other wherever we roam.
Exactly a year after summiting Katahdin, we took our baby girl camping for the first time overlooking the very same peak. I wore our necklaces as we snuggled around the campfire, cozied up in our tents and played together in the forest. THIS is why I had become a mother. To share our beloved wild spaces with my child, and show her just how transformative nature can be.
I was so struck with the deep meaning garnered from these pinecones that I knew I needed to create more. These Katahdin Cone Necklaces are yours. Made for adventurers, for nature lovers, for Appalachian Trail through hikers, for solo sojourners, for new beginnings, for momentous endings. May these evergreen emblems to remind you of your strength and the miraculous natural beauty of our world.
A NOTE ON WEAR
I have chosen high quality materials to create a piece of artful jewelry that will last a lifetime. Although crafted with the adventurous spirit in mind, please take care while wearing my pieces as natural stones can be delicate. To prolong the life of your piece, I suggest you remove it while swimming, hiking, rock climbing, cliff jumping, skydiving or whatever other crazy and rigorous adventure you find yourself on!
