Fossilized Mammoth Ivory and Silver Free Bird Necklace

Freedom can be represented in many ways. Some see it in a flag, a place, a type of work, or the power to make our own choices every day. Jenny Byrne, Zealandia's lead designer, saw freedom in the image of a bird escaping the confines of his cage. 'A bird in a cage seemed to me to be the antithesis of freedom,' she says, 'and a bird escaping his prison the pinnacle of joyous release.'

This free bird necklace is joyously represented in hand carved fossilized ivory details and an intricate sterling silver setting. It is the type of pendant that starts conversations and that reminds the wearer daily of the importance of freedom in our lives. Zealandia jewelry is designed to tell a story, and this piece in particular tells a story of triumph!

Our hand carved free bird is made from fossilized mammoth ivory, an ancient natural material that is over 15,000 years old. The fossilized ivory has lain buried in permafrost or underground for much of its long life where minerals may color it soft cream to caramel and cocoa colors. Holding a piece of mammoth ivory reminds us of a bygone era and of these great animals who once roamed the earth. Fossilized mammoth ivory tusk is valued the world over for the unique earthy quality it lends to art works and to fine jewelry pieces such as this carved ivory pendant.