Emu Eggshell Embroidered Earrings
The colors of these emu eggshell earrings are entirely natural. The process of creating this jewelry begins when my emu, Mel, lays her eggs! I meticulously drain and clean them. Then I carve the basic shapes and polish the edges. I fill the back with resin to strengthen the piece before carving the face. I then etch the piece following the contours of the surface to reveal the teal and white layers of the shell. I coat the face of the piece with resin to protect it. For this piece, I also drill holes and add silver embroidery thread. Finally, I add silver plated ear wires.
These earrings would make a great gift for someone who enjoys the simple beauty of unique natural objects. Emu eggs are dark green to black on the outside. The inner layers are shades of teal, blue, grey and white. The white layer is so thin and delicate that it is translucent (see picture of the backlit earrings). Each shell is unique.
Although the earrings have been reinforced and are quite sturdy, handle them as you would glass. They can chip if dropped on a hard surface. To clean, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Avoid using chemical cleaners and abrasive polishes. Please store the earrings away from direct light when not in use. Emu eggshells naturally change color slowly over time becoming less green and more blue, but the process is unique for each shell.
The eggshell carving is approximately 1.25 inches long by 1.125 inches wide. The length from the top of the ear wire to the bottom of the shell is 2 inches.
This item is made by Laura Wendell. Laura's complete collection is available at our Carrboro, North Carolina store. To see more of her items available online, click here.
The colors of these emu eggshell earrings are entirely natural. The process of creating this jewelry begins when my emu, Mel, lays her eggs! I meticulously drain and clean them. Then I carve the basic shapes and polish the edges. I fill the back with resin to strengthen the piece before carving the face. I then etch the piece following the contours of the surface to reveal the teal and white layers of the shell. I coat the face of the piece with resin to protect it. For this piece, I also drill holes and add silver embroidery thread. Finally, I add silver plated ear wires.
These earrings would make a great gift for someone who enjoys the simple beauty of unique natural objects. Emu eggs are dark green to black on the outside. The inner layers are shades of teal, blue, grey and white. The white layer is so thin and delicate that it is translucent (see picture of the backlit earrings). Each shell is unique.
Although the earrings have been reinforced and are quite sturdy, handle them as you would glass. They can chip if dropped on a hard surface. To clean, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Avoid using chemical cleaners and abrasive polishes. Please store the earrings away from direct light when not in use. Emu eggshells naturally change color slowly over time becoming less green and more blue, but the process is unique for each shell.
The eggshell carving is approximately 1.25 inches long by 1.125 inches wide. The length from the top of the ear wire to the bottom of the shell is 2 inches.
This item is made by Laura Wendell. Laura's complete collection is available at our Carrboro, North Carolina store. To see more of her items available online, click here.
The colors of these emu eggshell earrings are entirely natural. The process of creating this jewelry begins when my emu, Mel, lays her eggs! I meticulously drain and clean them. Then I carve the basic shapes and polish the edges. I fill the back with resin to strengthen the piece before carving the face. I then etch the piece following the contours of the surface to reveal the teal and white layers of the shell. I coat the face of the piece with resin to protect it. For this piece, I also drill holes and add silver embroidery thread. Finally, I add silver plated ear wires.
These earrings would make a great gift for someone who enjoys the simple beauty of unique natural objects. Emu eggs are dark green to black on the outside. The inner layers are shades of teal, blue, grey and white. The white layer is so thin and delicate that it is translucent (see picture of the backlit earrings). Each shell is unique.
Although the earrings have been reinforced and are quite sturdy, handle them as you would glass. They can chip if dropped on a hard surface. To clean, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Avoid using chemical cleaners and abrasive polishes. Please store the earrings away from direct light when not in use. Emu eggshells naturally change color slowly over time becoming less green and more blue, but the process is unique for each shell.
The eggshell carving is approximately 1.25 inches long by 1.125 inches wide. The length from the top of the ear wire to the bottom of the shell is 2 inches.
This item is made by Laura Wendell. Laura's complete collection is available at our Carrboro, North Carolina store. To see more of her items available online, click here.