There's a particular kind of quiet in a Montana sky right before the light shifts, and that's the feeling "Shoji Clouds" chases. Inspired by the graphic geometry of traditional Japanese shoji screens, this pair suspends hand-selected Montana agate framed by oxidized sterling silver beneath glowing cabochon Rio Grande citrines and brilliant natural diamonds, pairing the agates' quiet, landscape-like inclusions with the bezel-set citrines' warm golden glow. Every agate carries its own internal scenery, no two alike, so the asymmetry between the left and right earring lets these stones keep their individual character.
Crafted in oxidized sterling silver with 22K yellow gold accents, the metalwork plays dark against bright, letting the agate and citrine do the talking. A pair of small natural diamonds adds a crisp point of light near the bottom of each stud, just enough brightness to balance all that earthy depth.
At Alara, Montana agate holds a particular place in our hearts. It's a stone that comes from right here, carrying the geology of this state in every swirl and pattern, and "Shoji Clouds" gives it a setting that actually lets it be seen.
Cold Hard Facts:
- metals: oxidized sterling silver + 22K yellow gold
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gems:
- (2) Montana agates, 11.58ctw
- (2) Rio Grande citrine cabochons, 3.13ctw
- (2) natural diamonds, 0.13ctw
- earring type: 18K yellow gold friction posts with sterling silver extra-large (9mm) friction backs
- width: 3/4" at widest point
- length: 1 5/8"
FAQ
Will my pair look exactly like the photos?
Not exactly, and that's part of the appeal. Montana agate forms its own internal patterns as it's naturally created, so the swirls and cloudlike inclusions in your pair will be unique to those specific stones. Add in the usual differences between screens (monitor settings, video cards, browser display), and the exact tone of the agate, citrine, and metalwork may read slightly different in person than it does on your screen. That variation isn't a flaw. It's the whole reason no two "Shoji Clouds" pairs are ever quite the same.
Are these good for collectors of artisan jewelry?
Yes. The sculptural design, mixed metals, and one-of-a-kind stone patterns make this pair especially appealing to clients who follow contemporary and artisan fine jewelry, and to anyone who wants their collection to include at least one piece that couldn't be duplicated even if someone tried.
How do these earrings style?
Easily. The neutral stone palette, darkened silver, and warm gold accents make them just as comfortable with crisp tailoring as they are with something softer and more romantic, which makes "Shoji Clouds" one of those rare pairs that can move from a workday to a dinner out without a second thought.
