Aquamarine Necklace with Nariño Spiral Pendant

Materials
– Aquamarine beads (4 mm diameter)
– Gold-plated components made in Colombia using the lost-wax casting technique
– Golden finish: 24k gold plating over a copper base, with a soft satin matte patina

Pendant
– Geometric spiral motif based on a Nariño-region design
– Width: 1.5 cm
– Total height including loop: 1,8 cm
– Cast and finished by hand in a traditional Bogotá workshop

Size & Clasp
– Adjustable length: 45 to 47 cm
– Sits at the base of the neck (short necklace style)
– Fastens with a lobster clasp and extender chain

Each gold-toned component in the Galeria Eldorado collection is crafted using the lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue), echoing methods once mastered by ancient Colombian goldsmiths.

In Bogotá, local artisans sculpt or mould each design in wax. The wax models are encased in a heat-resistant material, then kiln-fired to melt the wax and create a hollow form. Molten copper is poured into this cavity to produce the final piece.

After casting, the metal is carefully cleaned and polished, coated with a layer of silver, and plated with two layers of 24k gold.

A final satin matte finish softly diffuses the light, giving the metal a warm, timeworn glow — evocative of ancient ceremonial jewellery.

This meticulous, hands-on process ensures the uniqueness and authenticity of every piece.

The pendant’s spiral design is inspired by geometric patterns observed in the goldwork of the Nariño region, which flourished in the Andean highlands of southern Colombia between approximately 600 and 1700 CE.

Although no written records remain, these cultures expressed their worldview through forms that seem to echo life’s movement, transformation and continuity.

The spiral—often enclosed within a square or diamond shape—may have symbolised the unfolding of creation within the stable frame of the material world, suggesting a dialogue between energy and structure, change and permanence.

In the absence of texts, such interpretations remain hypotheses, drawn from the rhythm and intention embodied in the metal itself.

Some contemporary readings resonate with the living traditions of the Kogi and Arhuaco peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, who also trace their lineage to the ancient Tayrona civilisation and continue to honour the spiral as a link between earth and sky, between matter and spirit.

The small traces left by the casting channels recall the lost-wax process, preserving the gesture of the artisan who once shaped it in clay and flame.

With its aquamarine beads and golden spiral, this necklace evokes motion held within form — a serene reminder of growth, renewal, and the quiet harmony between creation and repose.

Galeria Eldorado features jewellery inspired by the goldwork of ancient Colombian civilizations such as the Muisca, Quimbaya, Tairona, Zenú, Calima and Tolima.

These cultures flourished across present-day Colombia from around 1500 BCE until the early 16th century, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of ornaments in tumbaga — an alloy of gold, copper, and sometimes silver.

Today, these artefacts are preserved in major museums, including the Museo del Oro (Bogotá), the Museum of Ethnology (Berlin), the Museo de las Américas (Madrid), the MET (New York), the British Museum (London) and the Musée du Quai Branly (Paris).

Galeria Eldorado revives these ancestral forms through contemporary craftsmanship.

Each piece is handcrafted in small series, using traditional techniques and natural materials. The golden elements are cast and finished in Bogotá, continuing the lineage of Colombia’s ancestral goldsmithing heritage.

Bracelets, earrings, and necklaces featuring natural stones are often one-of-a-kind, selected and assembled individually to ensure the uniqueness of each piece.

To preserve the satin matte finish of the gold-plated components, avoid contact with water, perfumes, or cosmetics.

This soft surface is designed to absorb and gently diffuse light, echoing the patina of ancient ceremonial objects.

Clean gently with a soft dry cloth and store in a separate pouch to avoid scratches.

With proper care, your piece will retain its warm, understated glow for years to come.

Free delivery to Mallorca in 1 to 2 working days on all orders.

Spain / Portugal: 1 to 4 working days. Free delivery for orders over 150€.

France / EU: 4 to 8 working days. Free delivery for orders over 200€.

Worldwide: 6 to 9 working days. Free delivery for orders over 350€

Return within 10 business days from the date of receipt.

Details

If you have any special requests or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us via WhatsApp at (+34) 664 424 384 or by email at boutique@ambart-palma.com.

We’re here to help!