Kina Shell Curve Earrings - Gold Plated

Stunning 9ct gold plate earrings cast from part of an actual kina shell.  These earrings are inspired by the pieces of kina shell that can be found on New Zealand beaches, tumbled by the sea to smooth the edges.  For a distinctive and stylish design, we carefully selected the exact part of the shell we wanted cast, allowing the natural contours and pattern of it to influence the earring shape, and then delicately rounded off the corners emulating the effect of the sea.  Cast in New Zealand and hand finished in the StoneArrow workshop, Golden Bay. The earrings are cast from recycled copper and coated with 9ct gold plate, the handmade hooks are made from recycled sterling silver and 9ct gold plate.

Earring measurements: 23mm(height of shell) x 12mm(width at widest part)

Kina (sea urchin or sea egg) are important members of rocky reefs and are considered a delicacy to Māori.  The raised dotted pattern left remaining on the shells is where their fearsome spikes are attached when alive. They are endemic to New Zealand and can live up to 20 years!  Finding whole shells or even pieces are a beachcombers delight.