Matching Seashells for Earrings

Good morning!

I'm playing around with some shells this morning, and it occurred to me that everyone doesn't know how difficult it is to match shells for earrings. They need to be as close to the same size and shape as possible. They also need to be very similar in color...of course.

Take this pile of limpet shells for example....

They all look pretty similar don't they?

Now spread them out, and try to find two that are so nearly identical that they appear to be the same shell (except limpets are not bivalves). If they are even 1/16 of an inch different in size...they won't make a pair of earrings. One is deeper than the other...not good candidates. Some are more blue, and some are more green, and some barely have any color at all. Some have chipped edges, so are automatically out. It's just not as easy as it looks!

I'm trying to make a pair of limpet earrings in 14k gold just like the sterling silver pair I made. Wish me luck!

Have a beachy day!
Del

Blue Limpet Seashell Earrings in Sterling Silver

A couple of months ago, I bought 100 blue limpet shells with the intention of encrusting a frame with them.
I've been itching to make a pair of seashell earrings with them ever since! They are such pretty shells!

 

 These little lovelies are perfect for an excursion to the beach. 

White baby pearls dangle inside the shells.

All sterling silver components sparkle like the sun glinting off the waves in the sea.

These are the very first pieces of seashell jewelry that I have made using bought shells. Of course, half the fun of making seashell earrings is finding the shells, and I prefer to do some beachcombing, but I haven't ever found blue limpet shells. This type of limpet shell isn't native to the Florida coastline. I have found a keyhole limpet, and I made a bracelet out of it. 

 You can find both of these in my Etsy shop!

I'm heading back to my sea of craft supplies! I'll be back soon with a new beachy creation for you!

Love,

Del