Ugallu Sterling Silver Pendant with Ancient Near Eastern Steatite Winged Lion Amulet and Black Opal

This pendant is named after Ugallu - the Great Lion, one of the seven ancient Mesopotamian demon-warriors summoned not to destroy but to protect, to stand at the threshold between the living and whatever lay beyond it. The stone at its center is an authentic ancient amulet, carved from steatite, part of a group of nine amulets rooted in Near Eastern apotropaic traditions of the first millennium BCE. A winged lion-headed figure strides across its surface - guardian in motion, incised into stone with the deliberate hand of someone who believed in what they were making. The wear and abrasion across the surface are the marks of everything it has outlasted. Sourced from a private European collection, acquired on the art market in the late 20th century. Set in 925 sterling silver plated with black ruthenium, with a natural pear-cut black opal cabochon - deep green and blue shifting beneath the surface, a stone that holds more than it reveals. This is a singular edition - handmade by the designer himself with no second copy in existence. For those who keep the old guardians close. PLEASE NOTE: This pendant is made with an authentic ancient artifact and natural gemstones that may exhibit cracks, scratches, and color irregularities - these are not flaws, but marks of authenticity and age. Gemstone colors may appear differently depending on lighting conditions; please refer to the model photo for the most accurate representation.