The Kathmandu Pendant
$165
Single raw turquoise stone set in a hand-formed copper bezel on a black waxed linen cord.
Materials
Raw turquoise, hand-formed copper setting, black waxed linen cord
We are currently sourcing similar pieces from this artisan community. Be the first to know.
Why Liz Chose It
“Sunita set a single raw sky-stone and let it speak. In a world obsessed with more, I fell for the quiet confidence of one perfect, unpolished thing.”
— Elizabeth Groch, Founder
The Story of This Piece
The Kathmandu Pendant is a study in simplicity — a single stone, a simple setting, a plain cord. But within that simplicity lies a world of meaning. In Tibetan and Nepali tradition, turquoise is considered the sky stone — a bridge between earth and heaven, a protector of the spirit, a symbol of wisdom and truth.
The turquoise in this pendant is raw and unpolished, preserving the natural matrix of brown and gold veining that makes each stone unique. It is set in a copper bezel that has been hand-formed — heated, shaped, and hammered until it cradles the stone perfectly.
The black waxed linen cord is hand-twisted and finished with a simple sliding knot, allowing the wearer to adjust the length. The minimalism of the design lets the stone speak for itself — and it speaks volumes.
The Artisan
Sunita Tamang
Age 29 · Patan, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Sunita Tamang is a Newari metalworker from Patan — the ancient city in the Kathmandu Valley that has been a center of metalcraft for over a thousand years. The Newari people are famous throughout Asia for their metalwork, and Patan's workshops have produced everything from temple bells to royal jewelry.
Sunita learned copperwork from her uncle, one of the last traditional copper beaters in Patan. She was the only woman in his workshop, and she faced skepticism from older artisans who believed metalwork was not suitable for women. She proved them wrong through sheer skill and determination.
At 29, Sunita has developed a distinctive style that combines the bold simplicity of traditional Newari metalwork with a contemporary aesthetic that resonates with international buyers. She sources her turquoise from small-scale miners in the Nepali highlands, maintaining relationships with families who have mined the stone for generations. She donates a portion of her earnings to earthquake relief efforts — the 2015 earthquake devastated Patan's historic workshops, and the rebuilding continues.