These earrings feature antique conus shell beads that were hand carved in Mauritania and traditionally worn in women’s hair of sewn onto fabrics.  Finding a matching set can be challenging, giving way for the subtle asymmetry that comes from natural materials. Paired with antique coin silver beads and suspended from chain.

Silvija personally feels a strong link between shells and divine feminine and/or creative energy, having formed in water, our planets unique element that is a key to creating life.

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.