This pocket pine cone necklace is the first piece of jewellery in my Pocket Treasures collection. On my birthday this year I picked up this tiny pinecone from the beach as we were walking. Walking on the beach with my boys and watching the hound run free is what makes me happy. I love the beach when its warm and sunny as much as I love it when the wind is blowing the sand along and its raining in my face. The pine woods are the perfect refuge from the heat and the rain!

Pine cones are a symbol of resilience, they can remain on the tree for up to 10 years, weathering whatever nature throws at them. They represent endurance and the way they close their scales to protect the seeds from the cold, the wind and animals and then they open them in the warm and let the seeds fly off to germinate seems to me to reflect the roots and wings nature of parenting.

A pine cone is also the first thing that Small picks up on a walk to throw- either for the dog to chase or just to practice his throwing. We have been known to have competitions to see who can throw the furthest, whose target is the best and we love the sound of the crack as the odd pine cone falls to the ground knocking on other branches.

I always have a pinecone rattling around in my pocket reminding me of resilience, protection, growth and those precious moments on the beach and that birthday walk in particular, that's why I was so keen to make this necklace the first piece of this precious collection.

Made with sterling silver you can see the little overlapping scales and it hangs from an 18" curb chain. The curb chain is smooth those little links are nice and tightly packed with a high shine. You can select a different length chain at checkout. Because of the weight of this pine cone, there is a small tag at the clasp of the necklace with the hallmark on it and my flower logo stamped on the other side. I use the Birmingham Assay Office to hallmark my jewellery, their mark is an anchor, the 925 stamp is included, my maker's mark (CH) and a date stamp.

This necklace comes in a white jewellery box with my logo stamped in gold on the top, it is tied with ribbon and a care card and polishing card is included. A gift bag can be selected at checkout for special occasions and you can add a special message if this necklace is going directly to the recipient. I always include a thank you card too.