The Pleistocene epoch coincides with the start of the Quaternary period and roughly the start of glaciation, nearly 2 million years ago, continuing until roughly 12,000 years ago. The term "Ice Age" is often used to describe the Pleistocene epoch, but the name is somewhat misleading since ice did not advance and remain in this period; rather, it was a time period in which there were many glacial advances separated by periods of warmer climates. Also, not all ice formed in this time period; the Antarctic ice sheet is estimated at 14 million years, far before glaciation on the continents. Study of data from ice sheets found correlation between when glaciers advanced or retreated and geometry details of Earth's orbit (eccentricity of orbit and precession of the Earth's rotation axis). The data suggest that temperature could be further affected by concentrations of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane). For the past 10,000 years or so, the average temperature recorded in the ice hasn't varied more than a degree or so, but in the Pleistocene epoch, average temperatures could be as much as 8 degrees lower with much greater variance. The elements in this necklace and bracelet represent life emerging following the cooler periods of glaciation and rough hewn wheels and irregular silver nuggets represent early work of humans. Unfortunately, I had my epochs mixed, and it wouldn't be until the Holocene epoch that use of wheels and tool-making become evident. Still, it's a great set that features an unusual material (ruby fuchsite) with some terrific Hill Tribe silver focal pieces.

Cost: $89.00 USD

Looking to ship this item separately as a gift? Gift shipment includes gift boxing and an occasion specific card sent to the recipient via USPS Priority Mail. Fill out the fields below including this jewelry item name, the recipient name and address, and occasion and this item will be sent to the recipient with a card and note. See the gift box section for samples of shipments with different occasion specific cards.

Cost of gift shipment (domestic shipping only): $5.95 USD

Occasion:

BirthdayAnniversarySympathySpecialJust because

Jewelry item:

Recipient name & address:

• Color: blue green
• Color: blue purple
• Color: neutral - dark
• Material: layered look
• Material: rock types
• Material: wood
• Material: organics+
• Type: necklace - mid
• Type: bracelets
• Geek Chic: school daze
• Something Special: workhorses

Length: necklace - 19 1/2", bracelet - 7"

Materials:

• chalk turquoise donuts (dyed & stabilized)
• ruby fuchsite beads
• noble wood beads
• Hill Tribe fine silver nuggets
• Hill Tribe silver bead and pendant
• sterling silver beads
• Hill Tribe silver toggle, sterling silver lobster clasp
• Soft Flex moderate duty nylon coated stainless steel wire (30 lb. load test)

Care & cleaning: Beading cord may be kinked or broken through hard jerks or severed through prolonged exposure to rough or sharp edges; store necklace flat when not in use to prevent stretching or kinking cord. Clean with warm soapy water and avoid chemical or abrasive cleaners. Use a soft jewelry polishing cloth to clean tarnish appearing on silver.

Hill Tribe fine silver is soft and may be distored or broken with rough handling so it's recommended to keep this set out of young hands. As with all beaded jewelry: do not let young toddlers chew on it.

This 19.5" necklace can be worn with casual tops (crew necks, V-necks) and higher-neck blouses or deeper V collared shirts. The larger elements in the design give it a more rustic and earthy look so care should be taken when mixing with other patterns. The bold bracelet can be worn with the necklace for maximum impact or separately.