19th century, Naga, India
We have a special affection for these shells. They are old- and have the patina to prove it. They fit perfectly in your hand, cool in summer and warming in the winter. (Yes, shells in winter!) Well, it’s not that Jewels designed it for your hand, but beware, you may have someone wanting to embrace it while on your neck. The necklace is simple and chic, fine Italian leather of a delicious tan color we hand stitch in our Marrakech studio.
These shells were cut from the center of South Indian Ocean chank shells (Turbinella pyrum), which are very similar to conch shells, just another closely related species. In some cases, the shells were actually drilled and made into wearable beads by Angami Nagas, who would have traded for them via Assam, India. Each is different but all come from the same species of mollusk. The shell cutting industry in South India has not been active for more than one hundred and fifty years.
One of a kind
Shell: 2.5″ long
Necklace length: 19″