The princesses of Tiahuanaco wore it at their necks. A symbol of love.
An ancient Andean legend tells of an Ajlla —a sacred priestess of the Sun God Inti— who chose love over her vows and fled with her beloved to the mountains of Andalgalá, in Catamarca. The Inca forgave her upon receiving that stone. From then on, it was called Rosa del Inca: pieces of that gem adorned the necks of the princesses of Tiahuanaco as a symbol of forgiveness and true love. Today, that same stone is extracted from the Capillitas mines —at over 3,000 meters above sea level, exactly where the legend took place— and it is Argentina's national gemstone.
This necklace was born from that story. Rhodochrosite is said to open the heart chakra: it nurtures compassion, tenderness and self-love —toward oneself and others. That's why the pendant is shaped like a heart. Its surface carries a hand-chiseled feather texture referencing the feathers of the Inca Emperor's royal crown —the 2 or 3 sacred plumes that set the ruler apart. The paperclip chain, linked by hand one by one, carries artisan quipu knots between each link —a direct reference to the Inca Empire's knotted recording system, where memory was kept in knots. The natural rhodochrosite is set in a custom-made artisan bezel. A one-of-a-kind piece.
Part of the Stones Drop — Author's jewelry, handmade in Argentina
Is this for you? ↓
This necklace is for you if:
- You want to wear a piece with real history: Argentina's national gemstone, formed in Catamarca, carrying millennia within it.
- You're looking for something that feels truly unique —because it is. This piece has no equal.
- You resonate with the energy of rhodochrosite: heart opening, compassion, self-love and emotional healing.
- You're drawn to Andean elements: quipu knots in the chain, the Inca Emperor's feather texture, the heart as a symbol.
- You value handcrafted author's jewelry made entirely by hand, in solid 925 silver, with no molds or mass production.
Made in our studio ↓
The Rosa del Inca Necklace is a piece built technique by technique, by hand. The heart-shaped pendant was worked with a feather texture across its entire surface —a hand-chiseling process that references the feathers of the Inca Emperor's royal crown. The rhodochrosite is set in a custom artisan bezel, made to fit that specific stone, holding it without hiding it. The paperclip chain was linked by hand, link by link, with artisan quipu knots woven between each one —the same knotting system the Inca Empire used to record its history.
Everything in solid 925 silver, nickel-free. 1-year warranty + after-sales service. See full details here.
Piece details ↓
| Material |
Solid 925 silver, nickel-free + natural Argentine rhodochrosite |
| Pendant size |
4 cm × 4.4 cm · total height with bail: 5.3 cm |
| Stone |
Natural Argentine rhodochrosite, cabochon · 3 cm × 1.75 cm · origin: Capillitas Mines, Catamarca |
| Chain length |
47.5 cm · handmade paperclip chain |
| Total weight |
38.96 g (stone included) |
| Technique |
100% handmade — hand-chiseled feather texture (reference to the Inca royal crown), quipu knots on chain, artisan bezel setting, hand-linked paperclip chain |
| Availability |
One of a kind — last available |
| Collection |
Drop |
| Packaging |
Mycelium box · fabric pouch · certificate of authenticity · warranty card · digital donation certificate · original research notes and sketch —the actual handwritten sheet where this piece was conceived, cut and folded in an envelope |
| Care |
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and salt water (may dull the stone's pink tone). Avoid contact with chemicals, perfumes and pool water. Clean with a soft, dry cloth. Store in a dry place, away from other pieces. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners. More care tips → |
Conscious jewelry ↓
Every piece is designed with its full life cycle in mind: from the meaning behind the design to the packaging, shipping and longevity.
- Original research notes and sketch — the real handwritten sheet where I researched the origin of rhodochrosite, its legend and meaning before designing this piece. With the necklace sketch. Cut as-is, folded and placed in an envelope. No two are alike.
- Mycelium box — made from agricultural waste and fungi, no plastic, no chemicals. 100% compostable: you can bury it.
- Fabric pouch — reusable.
- Paper envelope — compostable.
- Seed paper product tag — plantable.
- Dedication card, certificate of authenticity and warranty — recyclable.
With every purchase we plant a tree for native forest reforestation alongside the Amigos de la Patagonia Association. You receive a personalized digital certificate with your order.
And if this piece ever stops representing you, you can return it and recover its metal value through the DO ReVIVE Program. Learn about the program →
