Since prehistoric times, people around the world have erected cairns—stacked mounds of stones—to signify the importance of particular places. Cairns have been used as memorials, landmarks, and trail-markers throughout history. Whenever I come across one, I love thinking about who might have built it, how long it’s been there, and why it might have been created. Cairns feel timeless, often remaining intact through entire eras.

Here I have used stones I collected from beaches all along the west coast to construct cairns of my own. The sterling silver box gives the pendant a structural appeal, and the riveted stones are free to spin in your fingers. Initially, I created the cairn necklace as a trail-marker for myself. Whether this cairn will remind you to embark upon a new trail, to find your way home again, or to honor something significant in your life—I hope you enjoy the experience of wearing it.

Note that the colors of the stones will vary from the ones you see here. If you have a preference for a particular color combination, let me know.

Details:
Materials: recycled sterling silver, 5-7 beach stones (depending on size)
Finish: oxidized
Pendant size: 1 3/8” x 1/2”
Chain length options: choose 16”, 18”, or 20”