Spiny Oyster Repoussé Earrings FJE2684

REPOUSSÈ & CHASING Repoussé is a traditional Navajo jewelry making technique. In repoussé, the metal is softened and hammered by hand from the reverse side, to create the low-relief pattern on the front side of the piece. Chasing works in conjunction with repoussé techniques, working on the opposite or front side of the piece to sink the metal in or create a groove or channel in the metal.

SPINY OYSTER SHELL Spiny Oyster Shell is often inlaid or used as cabochons in Southwest style jewelry. The color combination of Spiny Oyster and turquoise is as old as the human love for adornment.  Coming all the way from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, Spiny Oyster Shell is most commonly seen in orange, red, and purple. The more strident the color, the more expensive the shell is.  Red and purple shells are found at a much greater depth than the brilliant oranges and are rare and more expensive.