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

Seashell Saturday

I've been a little absent, it's like I've been away,
but I'm holed up in my studio, with shells and pearls all day!
Before I knew what day it was, the day dawned bright and clear.
and just when I thought time stood still, Saturday was here!

Just when I think it's coming together, problems do arise,
and every time I break a shell, it comes as a total surprise!

A very, very, sad surprise,
that doth bring tears to my eyes...

It doesn't happen often, of that I'm really glad,
because every time I break a shell,
it really makes me really MAD!

Sometimes I have to soak them, to get calcium off the shell,
But vinegar is evil, and will send your shell to hell!

I haven't gotten over it, I'm sad, I'm sure you know...
This was a very special shell, I don't find many YELLOW!

I'm staying in my studio, I don't have time to rest,
'Cause I really think this bracelet, is going to be my BEST!

What am I working on now?
ALL of the above!

I'm thinking of you ALL,
and sendling lots of LOVE!

Del