Description
Keshi pearls form as a natural byproduct of cultivated pearls. Normally, when a piece of shell or bead is inserted into an oyster, it treats the object like it would any piece of grit or sand—it begins coating it with layers of nacre and forming a round pearl. When an oyster rejects that inserted "nucleus" but keeps producing nacre, you get a flat, coin-like keshi pearl.
These keshi pearl earrings feature a small gold-tone leaf detail that echoes the pearls' organic shape. Made in the U.S. by Rhode Island jewelers and silversmiths JH Breakell, based in Newport, Rhode Island, for more than 50 years.
This jewelry item comes packaged in a white box (pictured).
Museum Story
The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History is the world's preeminent museum and research complex dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through its unparalleled research, collections, exhibitions and educational outreach programs. The Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals houses the vast National Gem Collection.
Details
- 14k gold-plated sterling silver, keshi pearl
- Approx. 1.4"L x 0.6"W (size and shape vary slightly)
- Fish hook ear wires
- Store in a cool, dry place. Remove before bathing or swimming.
- Made in the USA
