Spiny oyster: Read all About These Fascinating Jewel Additions

Posted by Johny Dean on July 26th, 2015

Sea shells, pearls, mother of pearls, spiny oysters and other sea-occurred mollusks have been used to make jewels for centuries. People have risked their lives to obtain these treasures from the depth of the oceans to adorn the necks and wrists of women. Spiny oyster is one such element that has profound importance in the world of jewellery making.

This mollusc is used in earrings, pendants, rings, bangles, necklaces and whatnot. A very important addition to native American jewelleries, spiny oysters are chosen for their unique pattern, rich colours and prophylactic attributes like turquoise metaphysical properties. Quite like corals, they are available in shades such as orange, red and purple.

Their Marine Origin

Occurring at the bottom of the ocean, they are also referred to as Spondylus. These items are a member of the scallops super-family. Though they are not really oysters, they do have certain characteristics of real oysters. They stick to the rock facades underwater with cement-like adherence.

They are two-part shells like any ordinary marine mollusc with only one difference. They wear spikes on the outer shells which makes them incredibly beautiful. These thorny oysters are found in warm water parts of the seas. That is why the Baja coast of California that is dominated by warm ocean currents is where they occur in large numbers.

As Jewel Fittings

Aside the said colours, the shells sometimes occur in rarer shades, which needless to say are more valuable than the rest. The best thing about these oysters is that they require no enhancement when paved into jewel designs. They are simply polished and set into the frameworks of ornaments. Their thorny structures make it easy to secure them in the setting.

Diet Behind the Color

The reason why these molluscs naturally wear the luxurious colour is their diet. The organism feeds on diverse diets made of seaweeds and planktons. Thus, the colours they wear are remarkably diverse and very opulent.

Jewellers prefer to use the shells that sport a deeper shade of orange or purple as compared to lighter ones for obvious reasons. The hue adds to the brilliance of the ornaments.

The Metaphysical Properties

Spiny oysters found use in jewels by the dint of their beauty and symbolic value. They stand for the mystical aspect of the ocean. They have a secretive feel about them because of where they come from. It is believed to have powers to mimic the seas. They have a calming effect on the wearer, and all the same their colours are an instant boost to the mood.

They are said to provide the wearers with an added sense of patience and understanding which is similar to the tidal rhythms of the ocean. Thus bearing certain qualities of the oceans, these pieces support mental relaxation and an internal balance.

Same as the turquoise metaphysical properties, these oysters too may have a positive impact on your life, when worn with ornaments.

Thinking of buying a quality spiny oyster from a trustworthy source? Learn all about the thorny oyster and turquoise metaphysical properties and pick one from our collection.