Orange Spiny Oyster Slab Earrings by Jesus Espino, Navajo

Jesus Espino, a Navajo silversmith, hand-cut large slab sections of orange spiny oyster shell and set them in sterling silver earring forms. Slab-cut stones — cut in thick flat sections rather than carved into domed cabochons — showcase the full natural pattern and color depth of the material. Spiny oyster (Spondylus) shell has been traded across the American Southwest for over a thousand years and orange spiny oyster was among the most valued materials in pre-Columbian Pueblo trade networks. Available exclusively through Turquoise Mustang.