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Spiny Oyster Shell

Spiny Oyster Shell, scientifically called Spondylus, has been used in Native American  jewelry for centuries.  Spondylus is Latin, for spines on its back, which says it all.  The shells, which are covered with intimidating spines, come in an array of bright colors ranging from purple to orange, red and yellow. Spiny oyster shells were carved and traded far and wide from as early as 10,000 years ago.

Before the introduction of Mediterranean red coral and silversmithing to the southwest, is interesting to note that the continuity of the use of turquoise with red & orange shell, along with the techniques and forms used in making jewelry has changed little in the southwest from ancient times.

Spiny oyster shells are found in the Gulf of California and the Pacific coast and south in the warm waters of South America.  It is very difficult to harvest and polish and is much sought after by collectors.  It has become very popular in southwestern jewelry.  All of our spiny oyster jewelry is sterling silver and Native American made in New Mexico unless otherwise noted.  FREE SHIPPING!

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SO-BRAC-MT105

Amazing scalloped edge cuff bracelet featuring all the colors of spiny oyster shell.  Signed “JK”, bracelet is ½” wide and will fit a medium sized wrist.  $370  $185

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SO-BRAC-ET102

Very nice cuff bracelet with a beautiful spiny oyster cabochon in a setting 1 1/8” by 1”.  Fits a medium sized wrist.   SOLD

SO-PEND-AT112

Adorable reversible bear pendant with cobblestone inlay by Calvin Begay.  Bear measures 11/16” wide by ½” tall.  Includes an 18” sterling chain.  $216  $108

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SO-PEND-AT111

Wonderful cobblestone inlay pendant signed “L.M.Y.”, 7/8” tall by ¾” wide with an 18 “ sterling chain.  $288  $144

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SO-PEND-AT109

Rick Tolino tear drop pendant with cobblestone inlay on an 18” chain.  Pendant measures 1” long by 3/8” wide.  SOLD

   

SO-PEND-AT110

Cute reversible cobblestone inlaid cactus pendant 7/8” tall by ½” wide with an 18” sterling chain.  $180  $90

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SO-PEND-MT108

Lovely teardrop pendant 1 1/16” long by 5/16” wide signed “JE”.  $88  $44

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SO-PEND-MT109

Beautiful orange spiny oyster shell pendant 1” long by 5/8” wide signed “TR”.  $100  $50

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SO-PEND-MT114

Inlaid spiny oyster pendant signed “JS”, ¾” long by 3/8” wide. $72  $36

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SO-ER-AT122

Sweet cobblestone inlay half-hoop earrings with sterling silver posts 1/2” long. $240  $120

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SO-ER-AT127

Studs with sterling silver posts ¼” round.  $60 $30

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SO-ER-AT123

Unique cobblestone inlay angular shaped half-hoop earrings with sterling silver posts 11/16” long.  SOLD

SO-ER-MT124

Orange spiny oyster shell, signed “JE”.  Earrings dangle 7/8” long by ½” wide on sterling wires.  $128  $64

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SO-ER-MT125

Orange spiny oyster shell, signed “JE”.  Earrings dangle 7/8” long by ½” wide on sterling wires.   $128  $64

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SO-ER-MT126

Purple spiny oyster shell, signed “TR”.  Earrings dangle 7/8” long by ½” wide on sterling wires.   $142  $71

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SO-ER-AT129

Purple spiny oyster shell, signed “TR”.  Earrings dangle 7/8” long by ½” wide on sterling wires.   $142  $71

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SO-ER-AT128

Gorgeous hoop earrings with cobblestone inlay hang 1” long on sterling posts.  SOLD

   

SO-ER-AT131

Statement making earrings by Calvin Begay with cobblestone inlay 2 1/8” long.  $480  $240

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spiny oyster shell necklace

SO-NECK-GS103

Fabulous asymetrical pendant by "P. Sanchez" 2" long including the bail.  Includes beautiful 18" sterling chain. SOLD

spiny oyster shell necklace

SO-NECK-GS108

Another lovely piece set by "P. Sanchez".  This pendant is 1 5/8" long including the bail and includes an 18" sterling chain.  $268  $134

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SO-ER-AT130

Studs with sterling silver posts 3/16” round.   $54  $27

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spiny oyster shell cross

SO-CROSS-AT110

Native American made cross signed "SW", 1 3/4" long including the bail. $168 $84

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spiny oyster shell earrings

SO-ER-AT116

Adorable hearts signed "S", they dangle on silver posts 7/8".  $108  $54 

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SO-BRAC-AT104

Signed "SH" (Shirley Henry, Navajo), this turquoise and spiny oyster shell bracelet is 71/4 -7 1/2" lonG. SOLD

 

spiny oyster shell earrings

SO-ER-AT111

Signed "CB", these delicate half hoops on silver posts are 5/8" long. $148  $72

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spiny oyster shell earrings

SO-ER-AT119

Signed "S", these unique dangle earrings are 1" on sterling posts.  $156  $78

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spiny oyster shell earrings

SO-ER-AT105

Signed "PS", these darling earrings on silver posts dangle over 3/4" from the stone on top.  $198  $99

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spiny oyster shell earrings

SO-ER-AT115

Cute earrings by Shirley Henry, Navajo, they dangle 1".  $228  $114 

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SO-NECK-BUTTERFLY-AT

Gorgeous cobblestone, or corn row, inlaid butterfly with spiny oyster shell, turquoise and gaspeite.  Signed "CA", this butterfly is 2 1/2" long including the bail and nearly 1 1/2" wide.  Double strand of spiny oyster shell chips with a sprinkling of turquoise and gaspeite is 20" long finished with silver cones and lobster claw clasp.   $1080  $540

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spiny oyster shell earrings

SO-MULTI-ER-OTT105

Beautiful cluster of shell, turquoise and gaspeite with and old world feel.  Earrings are 7/8" long, signed "A" and are on sterling silver posts.  $196  $98

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spiny oyster shell necklace

SO-BEADED-NECK-MT103

22" of the sunset colors that make  spiny oyster shell so appealing, with sterling silver beads and just a touch of turquoise.  SOLD

spiny oyster shell earrings

SO-ER-GS120

Lovely inlaid spiny oyster on sterling silver posts.  They dangle 1" long, signed MD.  SOLD

spiny oyster shell earrings

SO-ER-AT104

Signed "PS", these darling earrings on silver posts dangle over 3/4" from the stone on top.  $198  $99

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SO-ER-MT121

Inlaid with spiny oyster with turquoise, gaspeite and lapis, signed “JE”.  Earrings dangle 1 1/8” long on sterling wires.   $138  $69

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SO-ER-MT001

Inlaid with three colors of spiny oyster with turquoise and lapis, signed “JK”.  Earrings dangle 7/8” long on sterling wires.    SOLD

SO-PEND-MT112

Inlaid pendant with spiny oyster and manmade oyster, signed “TR”, 1 1/4” long by 5/8” wide.   $170  $85

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SO-PEND-MT113

Inlaid pendant with spiny oyster, turquoise and malachite, signed “JS”, ¾” long by 3/8” wide.   $72  $36

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SO-PEND-MT111

Inlaid pendant with spiny oyster, turquoise, lapis, gaspeite and malachite, signed “JE”, 1 1/4” long by 5/8” wide.   $158  $79

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SO-PEND-MT110

Artistic pendant with spiny oyster, malachite, turquoise and lapis 1 1/4” long by 1/2” wide signed “TR”.   $102  $51

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SO-WATCH-MT121

Great watch by “JK” with spiny oyster in 2 shades and green gaspeite on each 5/8” by 1” sterling tips.  Band is expandable stainless.  If you have a small wrist, make a note at check out and we will put a smaller band on it.   $388  $194

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SO-WATCH-MT122

Lovely watch by “JK” with 3 spiny oyster cabochons on each 5/8” by 1” sterling tips.  Band is expandable stainless.  If you have a small wrist, make a note at check out and we will put a smaller band on it.  $388  $194

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SO-NECKSET-MT100

Absolutely beautiful multi-stone necklace 20” long featuring spiny oyster in two shades, turquoise in two shades and malachite.  Sizes of the settings range from 1” by ¾” to 3/8” by 3/8”.  Earrings are ¾” by 5/8”.  $1030  $515

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SO-NECKSET-MT101

Signed “TL”, this lovely necklace and earring set has all the soft colors that spiny oyster comes in.  The center station is articulated and measures 1 ½” tall by ¾” wide.  The side settings are ½” by 3/8”.  The total length of the necklace is 21 ½” and is finished with a lobster claw clasp, may be worn shorter.  The earrings are 5/8” by 3/8” on sterling posts.  $1000on sterling wires.  $1030  $515

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