Dentalium Shell Earrings- Abalone Hearts

Dentalium shells come from the Pacific Northwest coast where they were collected and cleaned and became popular trade items. They were historically valued by the tribes of the Northern Plains, but soon became used by tribes all around the country This pair of earrings are made of smooth, white 2" dentalium shells, accented with sparking iolite faceted crystal glass beads and silver plated metal beads. At the top of the earrings are a matched pair of abalone shell hearts, suspended from sterling silver squared hogan beads. The ear wires are handmade sterling silver fishhooks and come with rubber backers for security. The overall length is 5"