Jewellery hopes to rock auction

The necklace was created especially for the Geology Festival

A necklace made of Scottish stones and created especially for the Scottish Geology Festival is being auctioned in aid of Maggie's Centres on Saturday.

Designed by Edinburgh designer Sheana Stephen, it includes Glen Tilt marble, Skye marble and Montrose jasper.

It also has sections depicting Scotland's mountainous landscape and volcanic past.

John Cleland of the Geological Society said it embodied synergy between the Scottish landscape, geology and art.

The necklace, which is set in silver and made in four sections, was used to launch a series of events promoting Scotland's rich geological heritage.

I wanted the piece to represent the ruggedness of Scotland Sheana Stephen Jeweller

The piece was funded by the Geological Society and is being auctioned at Maggie's Arabian Nights Ball on Saturday.

The necklace is set in silver and made in four sections.

Ms Stephen, a graduate of Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen, said: "I wanted the piece to represent the ruggedness of Scotland as well as the different light patterns, from the darkness of the moors to the brilliance of light of the snow or the sea.

"I used the marble to represent the green of the hills and the jasper for the red of the earth.

'Wonderful variety'

"Jewellers often don't think about using Scottish stones because there is not a significant trade in them, but there is a wonderful variety out there with some lovely colours and I think people like to wear something which is made from local materials."

Fiona Miller, fundraising co-ordinator from Maggie's Centres, said: "It's a beautiful piece, which we are sure will raise lots of interest and hopefully lots of money for Maggie's in our grand auction."

The Scottish Geology Festival includes over 100 events across Scotland which highlight the turbulent history of Scotland's landscape and some of the unique rock formations, fossils and minerals that have attracted geologists from around the world.