Handcarved Paua Shell. The above Handcarved Paua shell is from New Zealand. Paua is the Maori name for the type of sea snail mollusc that creates this type of splendidly coloured shell. Paua shell is used extensively in N.Z., in making jewellery and artefacts, and the diving for it works under a quota system controlled by the country’s Primary Industries Ministry.
The above spectacular earrings were created in the 1980s, the shell handcarved and highly polished to bring out its natural irridescence, the Silver settings handcrafted, the form distinctly Art Deco.
The articulation of the lower fan shapes makes for very fine colour flashing while worn. These earrings are light in weight, easy to wear.