The inspiration:
Day to night, dark to light. Transitions. The brightness and shadow in all of us.

The materials:
Striking wearable art, with a convertible twist. Deep purple-grey freshwater pearls are framed by sterling and pale 10k gold beads. Each suspends dramatic, deeply luminous carnelian point that swings from a tiny hook below the pearl, so that you can remove the carnelians to wear the pearl earrings solo.

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.

Carnelian in a member of the chalcedony family, long symbolic of fellowship and good will, patience and generosity. It is a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz that has been in use since the Bronze age, shaped into tools that could hold a sharp edge, or carved into decorations with a high degree of detail. Chalcedony (including carnelian) was frequently carved into intaglios for use in jewellery such as rings that were used to stamp wax seals, as wax doesn't stick to the surface. It ranges in colour from palest creamy yellow to deepest, opaque red-brown, sometimes displaying banding and cloudy inclusions.

The process:
A pair of dramatic, violet-grey freshwater pearls are securely set in clean-edge bezels, highlighted by gleaming points of recycled sterling silver and palest 10k gold. Their solid backplates are securely soldered to custom ear wires that extend below the bottom edge of the pearl to create a tiny hook from the bottom edge. The long, translucent carnelian points are capped in sterling silver and connect to the pearl earring with an integrated loop so that they are easily added or removed as you like. A light patina contrasts the silver and gold’s high polish and highlights that moody hues of the pearls and carnelian. A pair of clear silicone stoppers is included to keep them securely on your ears.

The details:
Earring length: 48 mm (including the carnelian), 20 mm (without the carnelian)
Earring width: 15 mm at the widest point
Stones: Freshwater pearls, carnelian points
Stone sources: Pearls -Rainbow Minerals, Ottawa, Ontario; Carnelian - Rio Grande, New Mexico, USA

My promise:
All of my jewelry is made entirely 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!