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trilobite necklace | 18k gold vermeil
A trilobite necklace for paleontologists, fossil collectors, and anyone who has held a 500-million-year-old animal in the palm of their hand. One of the most successful body plans in evolutionary history, in 18k gold vermeil.
The Story Behind the Trilobite
Trilobites appeared in the early Cambrian around 521 million years ago and persisted for nearly 270 million years before going extinct in the end-Permian mass extinction, the largest die-off the planet has known. They were the first animals with complex compound eyes, built from calcite lenses with optical properties so refined that some species effectively had achromatic doublet correction four hundred million years before the patent was filed. More than 22,000 species have been described, ranging from the millimetre scale to the 70 cm Isotelus rex. Their fossils marked the boundary chapters of paleontology and gave Charles Lapworth and his contemporaries the stratigraphic resolution to map the early Paleozoic.
A Meaningful Gift for Science Lovers
For people whose interest in life on Earth starts further back than most.
- paleontologists and evolutionary biologists
- geologists working on early Paleozoic stratigraphy
- museum curators and natural history educators
- fossil collectors who already own a real trilobite or two
For the geologist who can name three trilobite genera before breakfast.
Explore Related Paleontology Jewelry
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FAQ
Is this a good gift for a paleontologist?
One of the strongest options. Trilobites are foundational to Paleozoic paleontology and they show up in almost every fossil collection at some point, so the design carries real weight in the field. Works well for a PhD defense, a museum colleague's milestone, or a parent who passed on a love of fossils.
What is special about trilobite eyes?
Trilobites had the first known complex visual systems, built from individual calcite lenses arranged in compound arrays. Some species evolved a structure called a doublet lens, with two refractive elements stacked together, which corrects for spherical aberration in essentially the same way a modern camera lens does. This existed roughly 400 million years before humans worked out the optics on paper.
What are the materials and chain details?
The pendant is 30 mm long, with a 925 sterling silver core and a 2.5 micron 18K gold layer over it. The chain is 45 cm gold vermeil with a 5 cm extender, lobster clasp. Vermeil is the most durable form of gold-plated jewelry by definition, requiring at least 2.5 microns of gold over solid silver. Ships free worldwide via DHL Express within 1-5 business days, with import duties and taxes covered.
Is there a silver version?
Yes, the same trilobite is available in sterling silver for a cooler, more clinical tone. Both versions ship in a ready-to-gift jewelry box and are covered by the 30-day Love It or Return It policy.
Other
In a world where art and science often exist in separate realms, our "Curiosities" collection serves as a harmonious confluence. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic range of scientific phenomena not covered elsewhere. Each piece is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of wonder. It's jewelry that doesn't just adorn; it educates and fascinates, sparking conversations about the lesser-explored but equally awe-inspiring facets of our universe.
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