Minor Necklace of Stoneform - custom item

[ThomasBJJ]

Here's a new Magic Item my players might find:

Minor Necklace of Stoneform

History:
Created by ancient dwarven craftsmen to provide some measure of protection to thier clansmen in the deepest, hottest caverns in volcanic regions where excessive heat prevented the use of heavy armor.

Description:
A necklace constructed entirely of polished marble "chain links", with a small runestone sized square pendant. The pendant has etched on it the dwarven rune for "Stone". The necklace is very heavy for it's size (10 lbs.)
Wearing the necklace cause the wearer's skin to harden slightly and take on a very subtle greyish marble appearance. The wearer feels heavier and a little less flexible in the process.

Powers:
Wearer gains the following:
-2 to Dex score
adds 20% to body weight
+1 Natural Armor Bonus
Damage Resistance 1 / +1

Can anyone help me price this item, and maybe suggest which spells might have been used in creating it. I'd like to know what kind of info I should give them on a Detect Magic check, ie. Moderate, minor; transformation, conjuration.

BTW, this is a minor magic item for a 3rd to 4th lvl party. I'm hoping the monk ends up with it at some point.

 

[AMG]

I'd say the price should be around 250gp.

Perhaps earth spells like Wall Of Protection shoud be used in creating such items.

If they cast Detect Magic, tell them they sense neutral earth magic on the item.

Hope this helps.