The visual elegance and simplicity of a prong and frame setting highlight the object being set in an unfettered way. A fragment of a shell worked well with this setting.

Gemstones cut by a lapidary artist are refined and more regular in dimensions. This lends them well suited for the purpose of creating a setting. Natural objects on the other hand are often quite irregular so it’s no easy task to set them. My first attempts at gold smithing were setting sea glass I collected. I had no idea how challenging that proved to be. Glad to say my skill has grown so tackling things like shells is a bit easier.

The necklace body is made of fine silver leaf jasper beads in combination with sterling silver corrigated beads. The tones echo those of the sea shell.

Made as always by hand in my one person studio.