Herbert’s Jewelers settles into its new home in Kenosha

Key Takeaways:

• Emil transforms rare meteorites into unique jewelry pieces.
• Meteorite hunting involves challenging expeditions to remote locations.
• The crafting process reveals unique patterns not replicable on Earth.
• Demand for meteorite jewelry is increasing while supply diminishes.
• Meteorites are remnants from the formation of the solar system.

Bridging Earth and the Cosmos

From the heart of Buenos Aires, 31-year-old Emil Davidsson embarks on a mission that transcends our planet. He hunts for meteorites—celestial fragments older than Earth itself—and transforms them into exquisite jewelry, allowing individuals to wear a piece of the universe.

The Adventurous Quest for Meteorites

“I started hunting for meteorites in 2013,” Emil recalls. What began as a passion quickly evolved into a rigorous pursuit. “Every year, I would go on expeditions lasting four to five months above the Arctic Circle.” These journeys are not for the faint of heart. Alongside his partner, Alexandra Levchenkova, Emil expanded his search to some of the most extreme environments on Earth.

“We went to places like the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth, hunting for meteorites at altitudes of 3,500 meters above sea level,” he says. The couple would camp for up to ten days without hot water or any facilities. “An extremely wild place,” Emil notes, but the rewards outweighed the hardships.

Unearthing Celestial Treasures

Equipped with a specialized metal detector, Emil delves deep beneath the Earth’s surface. The detector emits high-amperage signals, creating electromagnetic fields that collapse when they encounter metal, signaling potential meteorite finds—even those buried three meters deep.

Each discovery is a momentous occasion. “Meteorites are extremely rare and difficult to find,” he emphasizes. The diminishing supply makes each piece all the more valuable.

Crafting the Universe into Art

Once retrieved, the real artistry begins. “Each type of meteorite requires a different process since all meteorites are unique,” Emil explains. Iron meteorites, comprising 92-99% iron, are carefully sliced and stabilized to prevent rusting. He then uses nitric acid to unveil the Widmanstätten pattern—an intricate crystalline structure formed over millions of years.

“This unique crystallization process cannot be replicated on Earth as it requires extreme outer space conditions over millions of years,” says Emil. It’s this distinct pattern that makes his jewelry truly one-of-a-kind.

His collection includes pendants starting at €100, rings at €130, and watches from €395. Each piece is not just an accessory but a narrative of time and space.

Rising Demand Amidst Dwindling Supply

“Meteorites are becoming more popular each year and the demand is increasing,” Emil observes. However, this popularity comes with challenges. “The supply is diminishing annually, making their prices rise consistently.” The scarcity of meteorites adds to their allure but also underscores the finite nature of these cosmic treasures.

A Tangible Link to the Ancient Universe

For Emil, his work is about more than creating jewelry—it’s about connecting people with the cosmos. “By holding a meteorite in your hand, you are touching the oldest material you could ever come into contact with,” he reflects. These space rocks hail from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, having journeyed millions of kilometers before reaching Earth.

“Not only are they older than Earth, but they have also traveled millions of kilometers through the vacuum of space,” Emil marvels. Transforming these ancient fragments into wearable art allows others to share in the wonder of the universe. “We find them with our metal detectors and transform them into unique one-of-a-kind jewelry, truly out of this world.”

Through his dedication and craftsmanship, Emil offers a rare opportunity: to hold, and even wear, a piece of the cosmos. As demand grows and supplies wane, each creation stands as a testament to the beauty and mystery of the universe.