Large conch shell beads are paired with intricate antique coin silver pendants from India.

Conch shells have a long religious lineage within Buddhist and Hindu cultures.  In Buddhism, the conch shell is one of the eight auspicious symbols, symbolizing the Buddha’s speech or call to teaching.  In Hinduism, the conch shell is the sacred emblem of the God Vishnu, the preserver, believed to protect humans and to restore order to the world.

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 ½” from top of earwire.  All metal used is oxidized sterling silver.