Antique and Vintage Shell Jewelry

Whether it's a necklace of puka shells, a string of abalone beads, or a pair of earrings dangling tiny cowrie shells, antique and vintage jewelry made from mollusk exoskeletons have been around for as long as humans have had the urge to adorn themselves. The shells of small sea snails, commonly known as swollen nassa, have been found in Israel, Algeria, and South Africa with holes drilled in them. Presumably, the holes allowed the shells to...Continue Reading