These large round, black shell earrings are inlaid with beautiful pieces of Abalone shell, arranged to evoke a burst of icy shards. Stunning look with a little black dress. Hand made in Taxco, Mexico using a metal alloy known as Alpaca silver and hung on silver plated earring hooks. These earrings will likely vary a little from the picture shown, as they are handmade such slight natural variation should be expected. We believe it is better to have a unique product than mass conformity. Abalone The Abalone shell in our earrings comes from the Mexican state of Baja California on the Pacific coast and is a by product of the abalone fishing industry. It does not come from California in the USA where populations of Abalone have been overfished. Abalone fishing is strictly regulated in Mexico and is only allowed at certain times of the year and by authorised fishing co-operatives. Interestingly, these co-operatives were actually voluntarily founded in order to improve sustainability and protect the abalone industry in the long-term. Specifications Made in Mexico Fair Trade Alpaca silver and silver plated hooks Abalone shell Approximately: 35mm x 40mm Story Siesta Crafts was started in 1983 by Chris and Les Harper with a market stall selling handicrafts that were brought back from their travels from Mexico and Guatemala (hence the name!). They now import directly from suppliers in countries all over the world on a Fair Trade basis and they are proud to be a member of the British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers. They specialise in unusual and interesting gifts. In this day and age of anodyne, cloned town high streets, it is good to see they have a vibrant, colourful presence with a wide range of unique and colourful handcrafted and fair trade items. Their intention is that by trading with their producers they are helping them to achieve economic self-sufficiency, whilst simultaneously bringing to their customers the skills and crafts of other cultures. Read more