What is star map jewelry?

Star map jewelry is a necklace, bracelet, charm, or locket laser-engraved with the exact arrangement of stars from a date, time, and location you choose. Instead of a generic star pattern, each piece carries the real sky from your moment, calculated from the European Space Agency's Hipparcos catalog and engraved with the stars and constellation lines. Every piece is made to order in Dublin from recycled precious metals: sterling silver, 18k gold vermeil, or 9k solid gold. Our signature necklace is a 15mm pendant on a fine chain, bracelets carry a 20mm disc on an adjustable chain, lockets open to reveal the map inside, and charms attach to a bracelet, necklace, or keyring. You can add a message to the reverse of a pendant. Every order includes the Constellation Legend eBook, which names the constellations on your piece. To see how each sky is calculated, read the science behind our maps.

What metals is star map jewelry available in?

Star map jewelry is available in sterling silver, 18k gold vermeil, and 9k solid gold, and all of our metals are recycled. Some designs are also offered with black onyx. Every piece is made to order in Dublin. Sterling silver has a bright, cool finish suited to everyday wear. Gold vermeil is sterling silver with a thick layer of 18-karat gold, giving the warmth and color of gold with the durability of a sterling silver base, and it is our most popular choice. 9k solid gold is gold all the way through, made as an heirloom piece to pass down. Black onyx is available as a polished necklace and as a bezel design set in gold vermeil. Availability varies by style: necklaces come in every option, bracelets and lockets in sterling silver or gold vermeil, and charms in sterling silver. To keep each metal at its best, follow our jewelry care guide.

Will the engraving fade over time?

No. The star map is laser-engraved directly into the metal, so the design is part of the piece itself and will not fade. Printing or plating sits on top of a surface and can wear away, but laser engraving removes a fine layer of metal to form each star and constellation line. Because nothing is added on top, there is nothing to rub off with daily wear. Each piece is hand-polished in Dublin before it ships. The metal around the engraving will still need the care any fine jewelry does: silver can tarnish when exposed to perfume, lotions, cleaning products, and humidity, and a Night Sky polishing cloth is supplied in the packaging to restore the shine. Rub in one direction rather than in circles, and store each piece separately in its box or a soft pouch. None of this affects the engraved map. Our jewelry care guide covers cleaning and storage for each metal in more detail.

What's the difference between pendant and bezel settings?

A pendant is a flat disc engraved with your star map, while a bezel setting frames that disc inside a protective metal surround. Our standard pendant is a 15mm disc on a fine chain, with the map engraved on the front and room for a message on the reverse. It is light and minimal, easy to wear every day or layer with other necklaces. A bezel setting adds a metal rim around the edge of the disc, which gives the piece a cleaner, more structured look and a more finished outline. Both use the same laser engraving and the same astronomically accurate map of the stars and constellation lines, so the choice comes down to style. Bezel designs are available as necklaces and bracelets in sterling silver, gold vermeil, and black onyx with a gold vermeil bezel. Every piece is made to order in Dublin from recycled metals. For care tips that suit both styles, see our jewelry care guide.

Can I add a personal message to star map jewelry?

Yes. You can add a personal message to the reverse of your star map pendant, engraved with the same laser precision as the map on the front. Most people choose a date, a pair of names, the coordinates of the place the moment happened, or a short line that means something only to the two of you. Because it sits on the back, the message stays hidden while the piece is worn and is revealed only when it is turned over, a private detail between you and the wearer. There is a character limit that depends on the size of the piece, and the create flow shows exactly how your text will look on the piece you have chosen before you order. Lockets go a step further and keep the star map itself inside, hidden until you choose to open it. For wording ideas, our jewelry inscription inspiration page collects messages for anniversaries, birthdays, and memorials.

How long does star map jewelry take to arrive?

Most US jewelry orders arrive within a week, typically in 4 to 6 business days. Every piece is made to order in Dublin, laser-engraved with your sky and hand-polished before it ships. Most UK orders arrive in 4 to 5 business days. Outside the US and UK, delivery time depends on the product and the destination. Standard shipping is free on every product, and express shipping is available at checkout if you need your piece sooner. You'll receive a tracking number as soon as your order ships. If you're ordering for a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, allow a few extra days during the busy holiday season. Every order includes the Constellation Legend eBook, which names the constellations on your piece, and if you're not happy you can return it within 30 days of delivery. For current estimates by country, see our shipping times guide.