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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. Now - FREE SHIPPING
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SO-NECK-GS103 Fabulous asymetrical pendant by "P.
Sanchez" 2" long including the bail. Includes beautiful 18"
sterling chain.
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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.
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SO-RING-AT105 A simple setting showcases this natural spiny oyster shell. Setting is almost 3/4" long and is ~ size 7 1/2. SOLD |
SO-CROSS-AT110 Native American made cross signed
"SW", 1 3/4" long including the bail.
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SO-ER-AT104 Signed "PS", these darling earrings
on silver posts dangle over 3/4" from the stone on top.
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SO-NECK-AT101 Wonderful small pendant by Larry
Yazzie, Navajo. Setting is 3/4" long including the bail and
includes 18" silver chain.
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SO-ER-AT106 Cobblestone inlay half hoops 3/4"
long with silver posts. |
SO-ER-AT108 Signed "CB", these half
hoop earrings
on silver posts are expertly inlaid with spiny oyster, turquoise, jet &
silver. A little over 3/4" long. |
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SO-ER-AT111 Signed "CB", these delicate
half hoops
on silver posts are 5/8" long. |
SO-INLAY-ER-FA107 Bold and bright inlaid earrings on
sterling silver posts. Settings are about 5/8" long.
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SO-ER-AT105 Signed "PS", these darling earrings
on silver posts dangle over 3/4" from the stone on top. |
SO-NECK-AT104 Charming tear-drop shaped pendant signed "JJ". It is about 1 1/4" long including the bail and includes an 18" silver chain. Signed "PS", these darling earrings on silver posts dangle over 3/4" from the stone on top. SOLD |
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SO-NECK-AT105 Pleasing small pendant signed "JJ"
comes with 18" silver chain. Pendant is about 1" long including
the bail.
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SO-PEND-AT101 Very nice pendant by a Navajo silversmith who signs "TF". Goes nicely with earrings #AT100 or #At101 above. Setting is about 2" long including the large bail. SOLD
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SO-NECK-AT106 What an attractive stamped silver
setting this 1" long pendant (including the bail) has! Includes 18"
silver chain.
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WATCH-SO-AT100 Pretty watch with small inlaid tips that are a little less than 1" long. Watch face is battery run and I have had very good performance out of them. Band is stretchy stainless steel. Please make a note in your checkout whether your wrist is small, medium or large so we can have the proper size band put on it. SOLD
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SO-NECK-LG-CROSS-AT Well designed southwest cross with beautiful silver work and cobblestone inlay signed "FRANCIS". Cross is 1 3/8" square plus a 3/8" bail. Necklace of spiny oyster, turquoise and gaspeite chips is 16" long with a 3" extender. SOLD |
SO-INLAY-ER-AT100 Spiny
oyster and opal inlay, 1/4" diameter on sterling silver posts.
SO-INLAY-ER-AT102 Spiny oyster, turquoise and gaspeite inlay, 1/4" diameter on sterling silver posts. SOLD |
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SO-INLAY-ER-FA105 Sunny
southwest colors in a modern inlay design. Settings are 5/8" long
on sterling silver posts.
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SO-INLAY-ER-FA103 Exceptional earrings with orange
spiny oyster, turquoise and opal. Settings are 1 1/2" long on
sterling silver ear wires. |
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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.
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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. |
SO-MULTI-ER-OTT104 Very, very nice dangle earrings with spiny oyster and turquoise. Settings are nearly 1 1/2" long and are on sterling silver ear wires. SOLD |
