The inspiration:
Soothing, cooling pearls reflecting a lunar glow. A simple statement earring, perfect for every day, framed with scalloped details and punched polka dots.

The materials:
Recycled sterling silver, framed by sterling silver wire and hammered accents, surrounding creamy-white fresh water pearls.

The history:
Freshwater pearls are ultimately the product of a negative situation - born of an irritating grain of foreign matter trapped inside an oyster (in the case of saltwater pearls) or a mussel (for freshwater pearls), the bivalve deals with this stress by turning it into something beautiful (and a lot more comfortable!) Pearls have been coveted seemingly since the beginning of time; many historians consider them humanity's first gemstone, as they were likely discovered by ancient people's in their search for food. They were recorded as being gifted to Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC! All pearls (marine and freshwater) are said to be cooling, soothing and balancing, and glowing symbols of happiness, wisdom and self-worth.

The process:
These round, coin-like earrings, inspired by the brilliant glow of a recent "super" full moon, are made from recycled sterling silver that I reclaimed, recycled and prepared in my home studio. The sterling silver has been polished to a high shine and framed in sterling wire, while a luminous natural fresh water pearl is set at its centre, framed in its scallop-edged bezel by round wire and a halo of tiny punched dots. A sterling silver arc connects the earring to its handmade earwire made of 20g sterling silver (.8 mm dia/standard width for western ear-piercings.) A pair of clear silicone stoppers is included to keep them securely on your ears. The bright, shiny silver has been given a subtle patina to set off the hammered and wire details, and to contrast the pearl's moonlit glow.

The details:
Earring length: 33 mm
Earring width: 20 mm
Stone: natural fresh water pearls, sourced from Arton Beads, Toronto, Ontario many moons ago...

My promise:
All of my jewelry is made by me, by hand, in my little home studio and will be shipped to you as shown, beautifully packaged and ready for gift-giving to someone special (like yourself!) I am a life-long artist and designer, and I take great care and pride in creating one of a kind jewels that evolve from my own design, emotion and inspiration, rather than trend, imitation or artifice. It means the world to me that you've witnessed my work - thank you for being here, and for shopping and supporting handmade!