🍇 Deep Plum Spiny Oyster Earrings in Sterling Silver 🍇
These striking post earrings feature rich, deep plum-colored spiny oyster shells secured in a clean, contemporary setting of polished sterling silver. A perfect blend of organic beauty and modern metalwork, these pieces are sure to draw attention.
✨ Details at a Glance
• Gemstone: Natural Deep Plum Spiny Oyster Shell
• Metal: Solid Sterling Silver (.925)
• Style: Stud/Post Earrings with a sculptural metal overlay
• Finish: High Polish
• Closure: Sterling Silver butterfly backs
🌊 The Story of Spiny Oyster Shell
The material used in these earrings is not a traditional rock or mineral, but the shell of a marine bivalve mollusk from the genus Spondylus, often called the "thorny oyster." Despite the name, this creature is more closely related to a scallop than a true oyster.
• Origin: The colorful varieties popular in jewelry, like the red and purple shells used here, are primarily harvested from the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, particularly the Gulf of California off the coast of Mexico, and near parts of Central and South America.
• A Prized Commodity: The use of the shell dates back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that the indigenous peoples of the Americas, including the ancient Andean and Southwestern cultures, highly valued spiny oyster.
• Ancient Value: In some ancient South American cultures, the shells were considered more valuable than gold or silver and were an important trade good used in rituals, ceremonial objects, and personal adornment.
• Color Secrets: The shell's vibrant colors—ranging from fiery orange and yellow to the deep plum seen in these pieces—are natural and determined by factors such as the mollusk's diet and the depth of the ocean where it lives.
💖 The Design
Each piece of shell is meticulously cut and shaped, then held by a flowing framework of bright sterling silver that wraps around the contours of the stone. This hand-fabricated setting highlights the natural, unique shape and intense color of the spiny oyster, making each earring a one-of-a-kind statement.
Looking for a matching piece or a different color? I can create a custom necklace or pendant to complement these earrings. Just send me a message!