Sikhote Alin Meteorite Jewellery in Hatton Garden

Few materials carry the romance of a meteorite, and in Hatton Garden, EC1N, the idea of wearing a fragment of space has a quiet pull for collectors seeking truly meteorite jewellery. The Sikhote-Alin meteorite, an iron mass that fell across eastern Russia, is one of the most celebrated witnessed falls in recorded history. Pieces of it now travel the world, prized for their sculpted shapes and ancient origin. London's diamond quarter, with its concentration of skilled benches and gem expertise, is a natural home for setting such rare material. If you are drawn to the unusual, our contemporary jewellery makers explore exactly this kind of statement piece.

What makes the Sikhote-Alin meteorite special

The Sikhote-Alin is an iron meteorite, composed largely of nickel-iron alloy that formed billions of years ago in the core of an early planetary body. When polished and etched, many iron meteorites reveal striking crystalline patterns that cannot be reproduced on Earth.

Two broad shapes survive from the fall. Some fragments are smooth and shaped by their fiery descent, while others are jagged shrapnel pieces torn apart by an explosion in the atmosphere. Each has its own character, and no two are alike.

Setting a meteorite into jewellery

Working with meteorite calls for patience. The material is harder and more brittle than precious metal, so a bench jeweller will often pair it with 18ct rose or yellow gold, or with platinum, to frame and protect the fragment.

A small slice can be set as the centrepiece of a ring or pendant, while a larger piece may be mounted as a sculptural cuff. Many clients ask for a certificate of authenticity, since provenance matters enormously with celestial material.

Caring for celestial pieces

Iron meteorite can rust if neglected, so it benefits from dry storage and an occasional light protective coating. Avoid prolonged contact with water and store the piece away from humidity.

For valuation and insurance, an independent assessment is wise. Our jewellery valuation specialists near Greville Street and Leather Lane can document unusual materials properly, and the London Assay Office can advise on any precious-metal mount.

Fun fact: The Sikhote-Alin meteorite fell in 1947 and is estimated to be around 4.5 billion years old, making it older than every gemstone ever mined.