Carrie Goller has given charming Varnish Clamshells from the sea new purpose as artful jewelry.

These beautiful and delicate shells have been collected from along Washington state's beautiful Hood Canal where the artist and her studio reside. They have been lovingly transformed into unique jewelry art. Each piece is handmade and consists of seashells, fine papers (often using the artist's own creature and nature paintings), which are hand-applied and coated multiple times with medium. The finishing touch is a fine edging in liquid 18k gold or silver leaf. Then findings are added (please see below for information on gold/silver hypoallergenic earring wires). These really must be seen in person to fully appreciate the look and feel, which is truly unique, although close to that of fine ceramics.

MY PROCESS
This shell jewelry is hand-crafted with a fine level of detail from cleaning, to water drilling, to applying images, trim and findings. Fine paper imagery is selected and carefully set on a base of medium and then sealed with multiple layers of medium to impart a refined porcelain feel and look. The delicate liquid 18k gold or silver leaf edging is a beautiful finishing touch. The back of each shell is left in its natural and beautiful condition. They are thoroughly cleaned beforehand.

ABOUT VARNISH SHELLS
Please see photos for examples. Size: The shells range in sizes from approximately 1.25" x 1" to 1.75" x 1.5" (31.75mm x 25.4mm to 44.45mm x 38.1mm). Due to the natural spots on the shells (please see photo) with some of the fine papers you may see these spots come through faintly. If that is not for you, please let me know and the shell can be painted before paper is applied so as not to see the spots, although most do find the natural markings and variations to be beautiful. The weight of each pair is under 1 oz. If your ear lobes are sensitive to weight, let me know and I'll find the lightest pair I can for you! Most of the shells are matched pairs. If not, I do my best to make close matches, however each shell is unique, therefore the size and shapes of the shell you receive will vary a bit.

CUSTOM ORDERS
Yes, I happily create custom orders! Just inquire via email (info@carriegoller.com) or phone (360-779-2388) and we can discuss your project. Because of the extra time and work involved in custom creations there is a 20% markup fee.

FINDINGS (Hypoallergenic Earring Wires)

- Gold earring wires (to match to 18K liquid gold leaf edging around each shell earring):

• Material: 14k gold plated brass; Brass provides good formability, high workability and durability, and resistance to corrosion in comparison to other metal alloy

• Size: ~ 20mm long x 12mm width (or ~ 0.8" x 0.5"); Wire thickness: ~ 0.9mm or 19 gauge or 0.035" - very strong ear wire

• Color: gold

- Silver earring wires (to match to liquid silver leaf edging around shell earring):

• Material: solid .925 sterling silver

• Size: ~20mm long x 10mm wide (~ 0.8" x 0.4"); wire thickness: ~0.9mm

• Color: silver

SHIPPING
US Shipping is $5 (charge appears at checkout). If outside US - please contact us at 360-779-2388 or email info@carriegoller.com. Items usually ship out within 1-4 business days and are packaged and ready for use or gifting. *Request a gift note or Artist's own high quality 5x7 greeting card ($6) to be sent along and it will be shipped direct with no receipt included.

ETHICALLY SOURCED
Shells that have washed up on our beaches naturally are all I use. They are unoccupied, as I would never harm any creatures to obtain their shells.

Each shell is unique and was once home to a small creature. Imperfection in the shells are reminders of the creature's journey from sea to you. Some of the images are examples of patterns only. Your particular shell art jewelry will be one-of-a-kind and no other will look quite exactly like yours.

CARE & CLEANING
These beautifully delicate shells are waterproof, but it is recommended that they not be immersed in water. Gentle cleaning with a damp cloth or sponge works well.

THANK YOU!
I hope you will enjoy your Seashell Jewelry as much as I have enjoyed creating it for you!

Carrie Goller