I’ve never met anyone else who shares my affinity for black slate—rough-hewn, natural black slate from Pennsylvania serves as the kitchen countertop and window sills in my home. But jewelry designer, Sara Freedenfeld, proves that I have company. The owner and talent behind New York City-based, Amáli, picked up a box full of black slate (from Austria and Germany) with naturally occurring pyrite during the gem shows in Tucson in 2012, intending to use it in a piece of mosaic art. But once she started setting the slate in pendant necklaces, the urge to keep making them struck, and the mosaic idea never materialized.

“I couldn’t help myself from making a ton of necklaces instead,” Freedenfeld exclaims. “They are very different than the feminine stones I am normally drawn to, but I love that it’s such an unexpected stone to see in fine jewelry, and each one is very unique.”

Since she debuted the styles, about eight accounts have bought into her Midnight collection, which comprises two earring styles, three necklaces, and a multitude of one-offs. You might have to ask to see the styles at shows, since Freedenfeld saves most case space for her 18k gold-only numbers.

“I do really well with these pieces at trunks shows,” she adds.

To date, she’s sold about 50 pieces, but with just half a shoebox full of the material left, interested parties might want to move fast to get their own.

Pendant necklace in oxidized silver and 18k gold with slate featuring naturally occurring pyrite; $1,200

Pendant necklace in oxidized silver and 18k gold with slate featuring naturally occurring pyrite; $1,200

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JCK