€ 140
Still questions? Contact us
Ursa major necklace | sterling silver
The Great Bear — one of the most recognised star patterns in the northern sky, home to the Big Dipper and a reliable guide to Polaris.
The Science of Ursa Major
Ursa Major is the third largest constellation by area and one of the 48 catalogued by Ptolemy in the 2nd century. Its most recognisable feature is the Big Dipper (or Plough) — an asterism of seven bright stars forming a ladle shape. Five of these stars are members of the Ursa Major Moving Group, a loose stellar association sharing a common origin and proper motion through the galaxy. Mizar, the middle star in the handle, is a famous double star — Mizar and Alcor are resolvable with the naked eye by those with sharp vision, and have been used as a traditional test of eyesight. The two 'pointer stars' at the front of the bowl point directly to Polaris, making Ursa Major indispensable for northern hemisphere navigation.
A Meaningful Gift for Science Lovers
A piece for astronomers, navigators, and anyone who finds the night sky meaningful.
- For the astronomer or astrophysicist who works with stellar populations
- For anyone who has used the Big Dipper to find north
- For a sailor, hiker, or anyone who navigates by stars
- As a piece for anyone who looks up and sees a bear
Comes in a gift box. Free worldwide shipping.
You Might Also Like
- Ursa major necklace | gold vermeil
- Ursa minor necklace | silver
- Cassiopeia necklace | silver
- Orion necklace L | silver
FAQ
Q: Would this make a good gift for someone interested in astronomy?
A: Absolutely. It resonates with anyone drawn to the night sky and its history. The Big Dipper is one of the easiest constellations to find, so it carries both scientific meaning and a sense of connection to something navigators have relied on for centuries.
Q: What makes Ursa Major significant in astronomy?
A: It's one of the largest constellations by area and was catalogued by Ptolemy in the 2nd century. The seven bright stars of the Big Dipper have been used to locate the North Star for navigation and timekeeping across cultures.
Q: What size is it, and what chain comes with it?
A: The pendant is roughly 30 mm across. It comes on a 45cm sterling silver chain (18 inches), which sits just below the collarbone on most people. The chain is adjustable by request if you need a different length.
Q: How long does shipping take?
A: We ship globally via DHL Express, so most orders arrive within 1-5 business days depending on your location.
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.
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