Originating from deep outer space, meteorites are truly marvelous specimens with an epic journey to Earth. Meteorite jewelry is a true celestial gift, cut and shaped by master craftsmen and set in an assortment of metals to create phenomenal works of art.
A meteorite is a solid piece of celestial debris, from cosmic asteroids and comets, which somehow survives its impact with Earth. This solid mass travels billions of miles through space at extremely fast speeds before crashing its way to our planet. Referred to as a meteoroid prior to impact, meteorites are unique rocks that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Once it enters our atmosphere, friction, pressure and chemical interactions with atmospheric gases causes the meteoroid to heat up and radiate energy, forming the fireballs we call shooting or falling stars. There are two types of discovery classifications for meteorites: falls and finds. Meteorite falls are meteorites recovered after directly observing their decent to earth. All other meteorites are classified as finds. Many ancient civilizations prized meteorite rocks and fashioned them into jewelry more than 5,000 years ago. The ancient Egyptians valued meteorite iron as highly as gold and precious gemstones. Archeologists have found meteorite bead necklaces, belts, bracelets, and other jewelry sealed in ancient tombs dating back to 3200 BC. Evidence of meteorite artifacts found in ancient Native American graves–including the Hopewell Mounds—suggests that the cosmic gems were worshipped or played a part in religious ceremony.
LOCATION: Outer Space
Meteorites are pieces of stone that originated in outer space. Most are believed to come from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter or our nearby moon. The Earth accumulates approximately 100 tons of extraterrestrial material every year.