You know you need an opossum necklace. This perfect statement piece will pretty much say exactly what you need it to say, adding an unexpected punch to just about any outfit, from casual to special occasion! Comfy, secure and easy for everyday wear, but if you want to save it for special days, that's fine, too — he is pretty special!

Opossums are amazing creatures. I live in Jersey City and we get a surprising amount of wildlife here, but it's always a special treat to spot an opossum lumbering around our backyard. I've wanted to create an opossum piece for so long!!! And I'm so happy to finally be able to present my very first: this opossum necklace, available in both sterling silver and bronze.

This little guy is doing his very best to put on a brave face. And if a good hissing doesn't work, he can always resort to "playing possum," if need be. 

This opossum was created using a method known as lost-wax casting. The original opossum was created by painstakingly carving wax by hand. A soft mold is made from the original hand-carved wax, so more identical wax replicas can be made. Each wax replica is then placed in a plaster mold, then the wax is melted out of the mold, leaving a cavity inside the plaster in the shape of the opossum. Molten metal is then poured into this cavity which cools and solidifies in the exact same shape as the original wax. It's an ancient process and it's really still the best way to make detailed, organic shapes for jewelry!

This necklace is made entirely from bronze. The opossum itself will be cast in solid bronze and the chain and all other components are bronze as well. The bronze cable chain is smooth and features a hand-fabricated, easy-but-secure toggle closure that slips through the opossum's tail. I recommend a length of 16.5" for this necklace for a small to average build, but I've included a few other options here if you would like something more customized. The length shown in all of the photos is 16.5" for reference and the human wearing it in the video (me!) is a small human.

You also have the option to have this necklace engraved on the back for an even more personalized touch!

This necklace was completely hand-crafted and was designed and assembled by me, in Jersey City, NJ, USA, using good, old-fashioned silversmithing techniques!

*If you wish to have a similar necklace to this one made, but featuring a different animal, message me for more details so I can create a custom listing for you.

Opossum measures 2.5" W x 1" H (6 cm x 2.5 cm)
bronze smooth cable chain is 3.1mm


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All of my jewelry items are shipped in certified eco-friendly, recycled, biodegradable and fully-recyclable packaging — including the jewelry boxes. No plastic bubble mailers, no plastic baggies and no poly organza bags will be used for shipping your order. AND a portion of your order will be donated to help protect invertebrates & their habitats 💕

*This shop is located in the USA. If you are placing an international order, please note the following: additional fees may be charged by *your country* in the form of customs fees &/or taxes when your order arrives. You will be responsible for these additional fees/taxes. If this is a concern, please make sure to check with your local postal service prior to placing your order. Please also note, when placing an international order, that you will need to allow for more time to receive your order. Some countries may take up to 4 weeks to clear your order through customs and deliver it to you.

If you'd like to see my shop's policies, please see details below!

Please feel free to message me with any questions! And yes, I DO accept custom orders; you can message me here with any special requests.

Thank you for looking!

💕 Johanna
Metal, Cloth & Wood
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