This fabulous pair of earrings features a pair of ancient quartz beads paired with antique coin silver dangles from India.  Finding a pair of ancient stones feels so special!

These ancient quartz beads were excavated in sub-Saharan Africa in the ancient city of Djenne-Djeno, located in Mali. Djenne-Djeno was originally settled around 250 BCE, according to archeologists, and was an oasis with grassy plains, lakes, and rivers allowing for a thriving community of farmers, artisans, and merchants.  By roughly 1,000 CE the water sources and soil had been over used and the population migrated to other areas across Africa.  Ancient beads have a powerful and magical energy.

Coin silver is made from a mixture of metals with a high pure silver content, often repurposing coins by melting them down.  The coin silver components I work with are antiques from all of the world, ranging from 80-120 years old, found in India, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and many West African countries such as Nigeria and Mali.  The wear and patina of antique coin silver has informed much of my jewelry aesthetic over the years.  The pieces are very special and rare.

Earrings measure 2 ¾” from top of earwire.  All findings used are oxidized sterling silver.