Heme molecules carry the oxygen in our blood and cause its red color. At the center of each molecule is a porphyrin ring. This beautiful and symmetrical structure is critical to function, binding an iron ion that binds the oxygen.

This porphyrin ring molecular motif depicted in this pendant can represent heme or chlorophyll, suggesting a symbolism of the close relationship and interdependency of plants and animals.

Heme shares this porphyrin ring structure with another important molecule, chlorophyll, is the center of photosynthesis and makes plants green. I appreciate this connection between plants and animals. In biology class we learn about the ecological dependencies of various organisms, but as a nascent gardener, I'm quickly gaining an intimate understanding of this on a practical level. Animals require plants and plants require animals. (And all of us multicellular organisms require healthy and diverse microbial communities, but that's a topic for a different necklace...)

The pendant is about 1.5 inches wide, made of solid sterling silver, and strung on a solid sterling silver ball chain, which can be adjusted between 16-18 inches. It is also available on a silver snake chain, also adjustable between 16-18 inches, as shown in the last photo.

I've represented the central iron ion by a dangling garnet gem stone. (I also make a chlorophyll version with a peridot.) Please note: I'm using natural gem stones, which are not perfectly spherical and may include inclusions - wonderfully individual & crafted by nature!

I imagine this molecular symbol appealing to animal lovers, zoologists, marathon runners, doctors, genealogy enthusiasts, and care givers. The necklace comes with an info card in a gift box, making it a great gift.

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I'm scientist-turned-artist Raven Hanna of Made With Molecules. I hand-make original, high quality jewelry and use Earth-friendly and people-friendly business practices. I live and work in a solar-powered sugarcane shack on the flank of an active volcano in Hawaii, and I donate a percentage of profits to environmental and science education nonprofit organizations. Please take a look at other molecular jewelry offerings in my shop. http://molecularmuse.etsy.com