Brač limestone
Jewelry designer: Iva, Art Shop Unique, Primošten
As you can see, Brač limestone is our favorite material when it comes to jewelry making. Each piece of limestone jewelry in this shop is lovingly handcrafted right here in this very room. If you have a specific request, feel free to ask, and we will do our best to create it for you.
History and Use
The wonderful white limestone from Brač has been quarried for centuries and used in construction, adorning structures like Diocletian’s Palace in Split and St. James’s Cathedral in Šibenik to this day. There are tales of its use in building the White House in Washington, though concrete evidence is challenging to find. In contemporary times, modern designers have recognized its value, transitioning it from architecture and sculpture to the fashion world.
Geology
Geologically speaking, Brač stone isn’t marble, as it’s often called. Its white color comes from calcite in limestone, and darker parts are fragments of sediment from fossilized shellfish accumulated over millions of years. Extracted exclusively from Brač quarries, the limestone is processed, and transformed into a raw material for art and construction. Brač still hosts a school for stonemasons, preserving this beautiful tradition.
Varieties
While the white limestone from Brač is more famous and widely recognized, not many people know about the other variants. Dark veins sometimes weave through the white stone, creating striking areas of dark gray with a subtle brown hue. This unique variant, often unfamiliar to many, is called Rasotica.
Properties
Limestone is a healing stone beneficial to overall health and well-being. It gives relief for muscle spasms, nurtures, grounds and works primarily well on the Root Chakra. It is valued for its ability to retain a cool temperature in hot climates making it your perfect summer jewelry.
Materials we combine with limestone
The following materials ensure that our pieces not only look stunning but also stand the test of time:
Premium stainless steel offers lasting durability, resistance to tarnishing, and hypoallergenic properties, ensuring comfort for even the most sensitive skin. We utilize two types of stainless steel in our designs: classic stainless steel with its signature silver hue, and gold-plated stainless steel for a luxurious golden finish.
The elegant Zamak alloy, composed of zinc, magnesium, aluminum, and copper, is renowned for its old silver look and tarnish resistance, adding a sophisticated touch to our designs.
The rhodium-plated silver enhances the strength and tarnish resistance of sterling silver, providing both lasting beauty and hypoallergenic comfort. We mostly use rhodium-plated silver for stud earrings.
Sustainability
Brač limestone is known for withstanding harsh weather conditions, which is why our unique jewelry is so durable. By pairing it with only the highest quality metal components, we enhance sustainability in our shop. By using local materials, we reduce our ecological footprint while supporting traditional Croatian craftsmanship. Through this sustainable practice, we encourage people to reflect on the importance of local resources, a crucial consideration in today’s world of globalization and fast fashion.