Circle of Life Lava Stone Silver Neckpiece

Inspired by the ancient Sandakada Pahana, or moonstone, of Sri Lankan Buddhist temple architecture, this necklace brings together a remarkable sequence of symbols representing the journey of human existence.

At the centre of the pendant is the half-lotus, representing purity, spiritual awakening and the possibility of rising above the attachments of worldly life.

Encircling the lotus are intricate liyavel — flowing vine motifs — symbolising human desires and attachments, the ties that keep us connected to the material world and the continuing cycle of Saṃsāra.

The next ring carries a graceful procession of hansa, or swans. In Buddhist symbolism, the swan represents wisdom and discernment — the ability to distinguish what is good from what is harmful, and to move towards greater clarity.

The outermost figurative ring depicts the elephant, horse, lion and bull, traditionally understood as representing the inevitable stages of earthly existence — birth, ageing, illness and death. Together, these successive rings create a meditation on the cyclical nature of life.

Our pendant translates this ancient symbolism into finely detailed silver, paired with naturally textured black lava stones. The raw, volcanic character of the stones provides a striking contrast to the intricate temple-inspired work of the pendant.

A piece that carries the story of life in its entirety — from worldly existence and attachment, through wisdom and discernment, towards purity and awakening.

Note: the traditional Sandakada Pahana also features an outermost ring of flames, symbolising the fiery cycle of Saṃsāra. This necklace interprets the moonstone through its remaining symbolic rings, rather than reproducing the flame border.