Abalone Shell Earrings ~ Chandelier Abalone Earrings, Amethyst, Peals, Ocean Treasures Abalone Allure ~ In my studio, reaching for amethyst, to accent and enhance, the alluring abalone, with a dash of pearls. Reminding me of the beauty of Stainglass windows. Yes, mermaids delight. Length 31/2 inches. Artist: Teresa Bradford For as long as abalone has been nourishing human appetites, their mother-of-pearl-bearing shells have been used in ritual ceremonies to replenish our souls as well. Abalone is a type of mollusk, like clams and oysters, except inside their flat, one-sided, ear-shaped shells, abalone has tentacles and feet. These sea snails cling to rocks near to shore and are often consumed by other marine species. The shell of the abalone is extremely durable. Microscopic calcium carbonate stacks like bricks stuck together by a layer of protein. The protein absorbs blows to the shell, while the brick formation of the calcium carbonate keeps the shells from shattering. Animals like otters have to get creative when harvesting abalone. Otters have learned to use rocks to pry the muscular mollusks from their tidal homes and scoop them out of their shells. Many native cultures have sustained themselves for centuries by consuming raw and cooked abalone. Tribes native to the North American west coast used abalone shells as currency. Today in South Africa, abalone is still highly sought after, and their shells, which are known to have an especially colorful iridescence, are very valuable. While the North American west coast and South Africa are the two main sources of abalone, they can also be found along the coasts of New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. ❤ Teresa Bradford-Cole Sacred Beaded, Modern Tribal Jewelry My work is emotional and passionate, weaving moments of the past, moments of the present, and Visions of the future, cultivating & manifesting. Creating art to wear, to embrace the sacred shaman within. We are our own shaman. I am intense, my pieces are intense. They are statement pieces, which have an energy of their own, it's as if I throw it all in the air & they fall into place, bead by bead. Working with textures is a passion of mine; I am also driven to create that inspires something I myself would want to wear. Looking For More Treasures: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartbeatHandmade