Smoky Solar Quartz Stalactite Slice Cufflinks, electroformed copper

• Stalactite slices average ~3/4" wide
• Bullet back cufflink.
• Each is one of a kind!
• Textured, electroformed copper surrounding the stones.
• Handmade. Please allow for slight variations in color, shape and size of the stones.
• Kraft gift box included.

Found underground, the combination of both quartz, amethyst and stalactites is very rare and found in only a few places in the world. Volcanic in origin and assumed to be 130 million years old, the best quality amethyst comes from Uruguay. The tubes have a core of interestingly shaped and colored agate surrounded by crystalline amethyst in varied hues of clear, grey and purple. Once the agate center has formed, then the amethyst crystals grow on the outside surface. Stalactites are cross cut into slices to expose both the agate center and surrounding purple crystals.  

Each pair of cufflinks is unique and one of a kind, and made by hand by printmaker, metalworking artist and Cyberoptix founder, Bethany Shorb. I work between Detroit, MI and Los Angeles, CA, where I source all our stone, crystal, shell, fossil and horn specimens. They are intuitively sourced in person, in LA from only the most reputable suppliers.

What is Electroforming?

Electroforming is the intricate process of fusing metal onto another medium using a low voltage electrical charge. The scientific process was discovered by Professor Moritz von Jacobi in the Academy of Science, St Petersburg, Russia. Thomas Edison used electroforming in his work, as did Michael Faraday, a famous 19th century physicist and chemist.

Coated with a conductive medium, the cufflinks are suspended in an electrolytic solution comprised of acid and copper sulfate. The electrical charge breaks down a positively charged copper anode and deposits it onto the piece, which is suspended from the negatively charged cathode. A layer of copper very slowly forms over the piece. After many hours of moving copper ions onto the organic piece, it is removed from the bath and goes on to polish, patina, and sealing processes. The piece is then ready to become jewelry! It is hardy and durable, while the original organic material remains encased in the copper.