atlas necklace

FAQ

Is this an appropriate gift for a graduating spine surgeon?

Often a strong choice. Spine surgery is one of the few specialties where the atlas (C1) shows up almost daily, in cervical fusions, paediatric craniocervical instability, and atlanto-axial revisions. The piece has the substance to read as a personal gift rather than a generic medical one. A short note that names the case, the year, or the institution tends to land well.

What is a Jefferson fracture, exactly?

A Jefferson fracture is a burst fracture of the atlas: the C1 ring breaks at multiple points (typically the anterior and posterior arches) under axial loading. The classic mechanism is diving head-first into shallow water, which transmits the body's deceleration force directly through the skull onto the atlas. The injury was first systematically described by Geoffrey Jefferson in 1920. Most are stable and treated conservatively in a hard collar; unstable cases require surgical fixation.

What size is the pendant and what does it ship with?

The pendant is 26 mm wide in 18k gold vermeil, a 2.5 micron gold layer over a sterling silver core, nickel-free and hypoallergenic, on a 45 cm gold-plated chain with a 5 cm extender and lobster clasp. Free worldwide DHL Express shipping in 1-5 business days, all import duties covered, in a ready-to-gift jewelry box.

What's the difference between the gold and silver atlas?

The structure is identical: same dorsal view of the C1 vertebra, same 26 mm size. Material is the only difference. The gold reads as the more deliberate piece, often picked as a milestone or graduation marker. The silver tends to be the choice for clinic and daily wear. Most spine specialists buy the silver for clinic and the gold for events. Both ship on a 45 cm chain in matching material.