Art Deco Sodalite Choker Necklace

A rare rock-forming mineral known for its striking royal blue-violet color, sodalite is sometimes called the "stone of logic" and has been associated with clear thinking and speaking the truth. 

Truth be told, we actually have Queen Alexandra to thank for introducing this beautiful stone to the masses. 

While there are earlier scientific references to the stone in 1811, it wasn't until a large sodalite deposit was unearthed in Bancroft, Ontario in 1892 that the buzz truly began. The discovery was so noteworthy that the following year a piece was proudly put on display during the World's Fair Colombian Exhibition in Chicago. 

However, it wasn't until the 1901 Pan-American Exhibition in Buffalo, NY when a sodalite specimen was gifted to the then-Princess of Wales (who would later become Queen Alexandra) that this unknown mineral (temporarily) became a household name. 

Alexandra was so enamored with the stone that she ordered additional quantities to be quarried and shipped to her Marlborough House, where it was used to decorate the interiors and soon sodalite decorative pieces became all the rage. 

Though, it wasn't long before this newly discovered stone made its way into the jewelry world. And by the 1920s and 30s, sodalite jewelry was rivaling that made of its more expensive counterpart lapis lazuli!

This simple, yet elegant choker is a testament to the beauty of sodalite and purposeful design. Each piece is prong set in a simple sterling silver setting allowing the stone to be the star. 

A lovely piece than can be dressed up or down.