Shell Operculum Earrings, Stud

From our carefully curated collection. At just 6mm in diameter, this lovely accessory, set in .925 sterling silver, provides a subtle complement with an interesting history. These unique earrings are made from the trap doors of a sea snail, polished to show the remarkable chocolate-brown, natural spiral against the white background of this material. When threatened, the sea snail would close the opening of its shell with this trap door, blocking its body from predators while the bumpy surface of the operculum's exterior would prevent creatures such as starfish from being able to maintain a suction hold on the shell.