€ 160
Still questions? Contact us
Insulin necklace | sterling silver
Insulin was the first protein to have its full sequence read, work that won Frederick Sanger the 1958 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This insulin necklace is a gift for a woman who knows that history from her work in a diabetes lab or clinic, or from her studies.
Who It's For
- a sister or daughter graduating after her research in a diabetes lab
- a new PhD in endocrinology or metabolism, on the day of her defence
- an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse or dietitian starting a new role, or leaving one
- your wife or partner
- a science-loving daughter, for her birthday
- yourself, to wear every day and be asked about
If type 1 diabetes is part of your family's life, the necklace can carry that too.
Emmanuela T. wrote: “I chose this gorgeous necklace as a graduation gift for my sister.” Maria K. bought one for her daughter: “My diabetic daughter loves it.”
The Science Behind Insulin
Insulin is small for a protein: 51 amino acids in two chains, an A chain of 21 and a B chain of 30. Two disulfide bridges, links between sulfur atoms, tie the chains together, and a third loops within the A chain. Scientists long assumed the two chains were made separately. In 1967 Donald Steiner found that insulin is first made as one longer chain, proinsulin, which folds up before its middle piece is cut out. That piece, C-peptide, leaves the cell along with the insulin. So the two chains of every insulin molecule start out as one.
Explore Related Jewelry
- insulin necklace | gold vermeil
- GLP-1 necklace | silver
- pancreas necklace | silver
- glucose necklace | silver
FAQ
How big is it, and how does it sit?
The pendant measures 17 mm (about 0.7 inches), a little smaller than a US dime (17.91 mm). It hangs from a small loop on a 45 cm (17.7 inch) sterling silver chain with a 5 cm (2 inch) extender and sits below the collarbone. Extra chains in 40, 42, 45, 50 and 80 cm, in silver or gold vermeil, can be added on this page. Our 925 sterling silver is nickel-free and hypoallergenic, and a polishing cloth brings back the shine when silver darkens with time.
Which version should I choose?
The insulin necklace comes in sterling silver and in 18K gold vermeil, both with a 17 mm pendant on a 45 cm chain with a 5 cm extender. Choose the finish the recipient already wears. The design and the size are the same in both finishes.
Will it arrive in time, and what if it isn't right?
DHL Express delivers free in 1-5 business days worldwide, and we pay the import duties and taxes, so nothing is due at the door. It arrives in a ready-to-gift jewelry box and festive envelope. If it isn't right, our 30-day “Love It or Return It” policy applies.
How long did it take to see the shape of insulin?
More than thirty years. Dorothy Hodgkin took the first X-ray photographs of insulin crystals in Oxford in the mid-1930s, and later counted that moment as the most exciting of her life. But insulin's 788 atoms were far beyond the methods of the day. She solved penicillin and vitamin B12 first, and won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964. In 1969 her team finally mapped insulin in three dimensions.
Cellular Biology
Step into the fascinating world of cellular biology through our unique jewelry designs. These pieces serve as wearable reflections of life's microscopic wonders, capturing the aesthetics of DNA strands, cellular formations, and more. Far from simple adornments, they spark dialogue and honor the captivating complexities found within biological research. Merging scientific accuracy with artistic flair, each creation offers a tactile experience that bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and aesthetic appreciation.
Find your perfect fit: measure an Existing Ring
Finding out your ring size at home is a simple process and can help you shop for jewelry online with confidence.
Necklace length guide
