Kalea the Crab Spider and Rue Anemone Necklace

Somewhere in an early spring wildflower meadow, a tiny predator waits, perfectly still, nearly invisible. She hasn't spun a web. She doesn't need to. She is the flower.

Meet Kalea

Kalea means "joy and happiness" in Hawaiian and it suits her perfectly. Female goldenrod crab spiders are among the few creatures on earth that can actually change color. Depending on which flower she calls home, she can secrete yellow pigments into her skin to blend in, or reabsorb them to return to white in as little as six days. No two female goldenrod crab spiders look exactly alike.

Kalea has made her home on a rue anemone, one of the first wildflowers to emerge each spring. She can turned herself a soft yellow, brown-eyed Susan tone, to blend with her new surroundings by secreting yellow pigment in the outermost layer of her skin cells.

The Craftsmanship

Every element of this necklace was made entirely by hand from sterling silver. Each piece was individually cut and fused or soldered in my torch flame, then shaped with traditional metalsmithing tools. Each touch meant to echo nature's own irregularity.

• Pendant size: 2.5" tall × 2.5" wide
• Chain: Handmade 22" sterling silver
• Stone: Teardrop shaped genuine opal 
• Material: Fine & sterling silver

One of a Kind

There is only one Kalea. When she finds her home, she will never be made again.

A Note from the Tamara

I created Kalea because I wanted to capture something most people walk right past, the hidden world unfolding on a single wildflower. Crab spiders are extraordinary, and rue anemone is one of my favorite signs that spring has truly arrived. I hope she brings that same wonder into your world.

Shipping & Care

Kalea is finished, packaged safely, and will be on her way to you within 3–5 business days.