The Back Story Of A Certain Gate Pendant

Photo Credit: https://stargate-sgc.fandom.com/

When I first launched my jewellery business back in 2010, I had no idea one of my best-selling designs would come from a geeky garage sale find. But thanks to my sci-fi-loving best friend Isabella, and a lot of nerdy convention magic, the Earth Stargate pendant was born—and it's been a fan favourite ever since.

A Con Called Con-Cept (And the Spark of an Idea)

Here in Montreal, we used to have a small, fan-run sci-fi and fantasy convention called Con-Cept. Held in the old Expresso Hotel, it was this wonderful little gathering where about 300–500 geeks would come together to meet celebrity guests, hang with authors, and geek out over everything from Star Trek to Babylon 5.

One of the funnest parts of Con-Cept? The garage sale. Fans would bring in all sorts of collectibles and random goodies, and that’s where Isabella found it—a Stargate keychain. She loved it instantly. The only problem? It was made of cheap base metal, and she’s allergic.

So I Made Her One… in Sterling Silver

Isabella came to me, her friendly neighbourhood jeweller, and asked if I could make her a wearable version in .925 sterling silver. Of course I said yes! After a bit of fussing and tweaking, the first Earth Stargate pendant came to life.

Isabella's Earth Stargate Pendant that I made her, in .925 sterling silver.

Cue the Celebrity Shenanigans

Fast forward to 2013—Isabella brings her new pendant to a con and meets Michael Shanks (aka Daniel Jackson).

Photo Credit: Michael Shanks as Daniel Jackson in the Lost City episode of Stargate SG-1 © Syfy

Not only does he love it, but he signs the back with a tiny smiley face using a micro Sharpie.

That summer, I brought the pendant to Fan Expo Canada and met Richard Dean Anderson (Jack O’Neill himself).

Photo Credit: Richard Dean Anderson as Jack O’Neill on Stargate SG-1,  https://screenrant.com/

He was skeptical at first—said the pendant was too small to sign. 

I pulled out the micro Sharpie and said, “Well, Michael Shanks managed it.” RDA laughed, pulled out his glasses, and signed it too.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

Richard Dean Anderson asked, “You made this?”

I said, “Yep.”

His response?

“This is f***ing awesome! You should make more and sell them!”

And so I did.

A Pendant Worthy of the Stargate Fandom

From there, things only got cooler. I had their signatures permanently engraved into the pendant by my go-to engraver, Leo. Isabella later met Amanda Tapping and Christopher Judge, who also signed the piece. Her pendant now holds four Stargate actor autographs—and yes, she still wears it to this day.

What started as a one-off commission turned into one of the most beloved pieces in my collection. Over the years, fans have added their own twist—one even asked for gemstones to be set into the chevrons, and now that’s become a new custom option I offer.

The show may have ended over two decades ago, but the Stargate fandom is still going strong. And this little pendant? It’s been travelling through wormholes of its own ever since!

Thanks for reading, 

Stephenie