Rare Haematite Ammonite Sterling Silver Cufflinks

These unique and amazing sterling silver cufflinks are each frame set with a fascinating rare Haematite Ammonite fossil.   Each cufflink measures roughly 23x18x4mm, not including toggle.  Will be sent in a Two Skies presentation box, ready for gifting.

Ammonites became extinct some 65 million years ago after surviving on earth for a 330 million years! Roaming the oceans as far back as 200 million years ago, these squid-like sea creatures are fossilised relatives of the chambered nautilus shell. The name "ammonite" was inspired by the spiral shape of the fossilised shells, which somewhat resemble tightly coiled rams' horns. It is thought the name derived from the Greek God Ammon, who is typically depicted wearing rams horns. The black/very dark brown colouring you see in these ammonites is haematite, an iron which is lighter than gold. Our haematite ammonites are sourced from an area near the Atlas Mountains, in Morocco - they are a very rare find.
Why do silversmiths use 925%? Measured in parts per thousand, pure silver (999%) is too soft so silversmiths mix it with other metals to make it it harder. The purer the metal, the higher the polish, but it is a lot softer (thus less durable). The harder the metal is, the more hard wearing the jewellery is, but it will also tarnish easier as it has less silver content. Therefore, the silver industry set a standard percentage content for fine silver (925); what we know as "sterling silver". At Two Skies our silversmiths use 925 (sterling) silver for ring shafts and moving parts, and a very high 950% on our stones settings, which enables us to get a strong jewellery item with a beautiful and secure stone setting, without any gluing. Each piece of our jewellery is hand stamped with our Two Skies Hallmark alongside the recognised industry 925 Hallmark.