Synthetic Opal Dachshund Necklace

The Synthetic Opal Dachshund

A little dachshund of about 10 x 16 mm walks along this dachshund necklace, with a long back, a floppy ear, and short legs. It is made of synthetic opal, a stone made by people, not natural opal. In the light, tiny dots in every color of the rainbow sparkle on its coat. You can get it in white or in lilac. The chain runs sideways through its back, so the dachshund stays horizontal and looks as if it were strolling along your neck. Its slim, long shape makes it easy to recognize even from a little distance.

Material and Craftsmanship

The dachshund comes on 925 sterling silver or 14K gold-filled. Sterling silver contains 92.5 percent silver, and the rest, usually copper, gives it its strength. With 14K gold-filled, a substantial layer of real gold is permanently bonded to a base metal, so the gold tone lasts much longer than with simple gold plating. The chain is a box chain with tightly joined cube-shaped links. I thread each dachshund by hand in Oberhausen and check that it hangs straight. Your dachshund necklace comes in 45 cm (17.7 in) or 40 cm (15.7 in), and the shorter length shows off the dachshund even over a sweater.

Meaning of the Dachshund

The dachshund comes from Germany and was bred to hunt in badger burrows, which is where its name comes from: in German, it means "badger dog." In 1972, a colorful dachshund named Waldi became the first official mascot of the Olympic Games, in Munich. For dachshund fans, this necklace is a small declaration of love.

Caring for Your Dachshund Necklace

The necklace copes well with water, even in the shower. But perfume, skin cream, chlorine, and salt water shouldn't get on the dachshund, because over time they can dull the surface of the synthetic opal. Take the necklace off before swimming and give it a quick rinse after a day at the beach.

Synthetic opal isn't as hard as quartz, so your little dachshund will appreciate gentle handling. Keep it in its box, away from rings and bracelets. During longer breaks, a small sealed pouch protects the silver from tarnishing. A polishing cloth makes silver shine again, and your dachshund will stay your loyal companion for a long time.