BTS of Handcrafting A Fine Silver Shell Necklace with an Authentic Pearl

Todos Santos, Baja California Mexico

During March Break this year, my family and I visited Baja California, Mexico, where we discovered an old, quaint Pacific Coast town for the first time called Todos Santos. Known for its artistic charm, it is filled with galleries and unique  handmade jewellery stores.  

While in our tour group, we stopped in at a local jewellery shop call The Velvet Box Todos Santos. Here we had the opportunity to learn about the formation of pearls . To our delight, the session ended with a GIVEAWAY coincidentally on National Jewel Day. Much to our excitement, my son drew the lucky number and won a  12mm authentic pearl - which he gifted to me . 

Intrigued by how pearls are formed, I wanted to share this process with you. Keep reading to learn what unique piece of jewellery I crafted.

Handcrafting a Fine Silver Pearl Necklace

Cultured Pearl from The Velvet Box Todos Santos

1. How a Pearl is Formed?

It is exceedingly rare for a pearl to grow naturally. Typically it occurs when a grain of sand or parasite finds its way into a mollusk. In response, the mollusk forms nacre, a protective coating to reduce the irritation. Nacre is also known as Mother of Pearl. Over time, layers of nacre accumulate, gradually forming the pearl.

To meet the demand for pearls, they are often commercially produced. Pearl farmers inseminate the mollusks with irritants to stimulate pearl formation. During our visit at The Velvet Box Todos Santos, we gained insight in to the meticulous process of pearl formation. From gathering mollusks from the ocean, to inseminating and storage, we learned how pearls are harvested. 

Silver Wire Wrapped Cultured Pearl

2. We Won This Large Pearl, Now What Do We Do With It?

Out of a group of a dozen, my son drew the lucky number at The Velvet Box Todos Santos. We watched in anticipation as the owner selected a mollusk from his collection and delicately pried open the mollusk to reveal the magnificent pearl.

I was astounded on two fronts. First the pearl was breathtaking - its size and colour were incredible. Secondly, I was taken aback by the shop's asking price for setting the pearl on a silver chain - $400US.
Concealing my knowledge of jewellery making, I politely declined their offer and decided to bring the pearl back to Canada.

I wanted to preserve the pearls naturally beauty. Armed with silver wire and online jewellery tutorials I experimented with a few different wire wrapping techniques. After a few attempts, I settled on a design that securely wrapped the pearl, while showing casing its beauty.

Make sure to check my Instagram on Thursday as I share how I wired wrapped this pearl!

3. How Metal Clay Came Into the Creation?

While walking along the Baja beach, I found myself collecting shells along the shore. Amongst my growing collection of shells, one particular find captured my eyes—a delicate fragment of a pearl shell.

Upon returning home, I decided to turn this pearl shell into a pendant.  I created a mold using the shell as inspiration (see photo 1).  I gently pressed silver clay into the mold, each impression reflecting the intricate beauty of the original shell (see photo 2).

I waited for the silver clay to dry and was excited to place into my kiln.  When I opened the kiln, I was excited to see the final result. After polishing, the fine silver pendant was ready.

As I added the wrapped pearl and silver shell together on a chain, I looked at this new piece of jewellery with admiration.

Handcrafted Fine Silver Pearl Shell Created From Silver Clay

Now I have this beautiful keepsake necklace that reminds me of my wonderful trip to Baja and the wonderful day my family and I  spent in Todos Santos.

The Cultured Pearl is the Centre of Attention

After completing the necklace, I wanted to take photos of it with water in the background. I am no longer on the Pacific Ocean so I decided to use Lake Ontario as my backdrop. 

With the necklace gleaming in the sunlight, I snapped a photo against the backdrop of the blue water stretching out before me.  I don't think anyone will know this isn't the Pacific Ocean. Do you agree?

Ever wondered why natural pearls are different colours? The colour of the pearl is determined by the thickness of the nacre. If you ever see a sign saying dyed pearls, they are not their natural colour.

If you ever looking to have a commissioned piece of jewellery, just reach out to me at [email protected]
 
​Perhaps you have a shell you would like preserved in silver.

Until next time, enjoy the Beauty of Nature!
Cheryl🌷