Cross pendant set with pentacrinites fossils

The fossils of pentacrinites (an animal from the same family as sea urchins and sea stars) are shaped like five-pointed stars. This appearance, which is both very geometrical and poetic, earned them a longstanding reputation as protective amulets, particularly against lightning. This was, in fact, the case of all stones in remarkable shapes, the blades of prehistoric tools, menhirs and ancient crystal beads, whose origins were largely a mystery before the advances made by archaeology beginning in the 19th century. In the region around Digne-les-Bains, where large numbers of these fossils can be found, pentacrinites were used by a well-reputed craft jewellery industry: mounted in pendants, brooches, earrings and cuff links, they made for original accessories at the crossroads between jewellery and amulets.