Half-moon lapis-lazuli necklace

Materials
– 6 mm round lapis-lazuli beads
– Gold-plated components made in Colombia using the lost-wax casting technique
– Golden finish: 24k gold plating over a copper base, with a satin matte patina

Pendant
– Sun-inspired half-moon pendant with openwork ∞ motif
– Height: 3 cm including the bail

Size & Clasp
– Adjustable length: 45 to 47 cm
– Mounted on flexible coated steel wire for durability and fluidity
– Fastens with a lobster clasp (gold-plated)

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 reinterprets ancestral ear ornaments from the Sinú (or Zenú) culture, which flourished in Colombia’s Caribbean lowlands between 200 BCE and 1000 CE. These half-moon shapes, often worn by high-ranking individuals, carry symbolic motifs of repetition and flow — such as the “∞” figure seen here — representing cycles, continuity, and dual forces in balance.

The spiral-engraved beads further root the piece in ritual elegance, evoking the movement of water, wind, and time — essential elements in pre-Hispanic cosmology.

Although no written records remain, these ancient cultures conveyed their worldview through shapes drawn from nature and the rhythms of life — human, animal, and celestial.

Today, many interpretations draw from the living traditions of Indigenous peoples such as the Kogi, where the role of the shaman as a guardian of harmony and cosmic balance remains central.

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.

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!