Abalone shell earrings handmade in 14kt gold filled wire.

Finished length 55 mm, (approx 2.00 inches).

Abalone shell comes from the inside of the ear-shell (also known as paua in New Zealand). It is called the ear-shell as it's shape resembles the human ear. Abalones belong to the Haliotidae family (genus Haliotis).

Gold filled wire, (sometimes called rolled gold), is made by forming a tube of gold and filling the tube with a base metal, usually jeweller’s brass. There is 100 times more gold in 14kt rolled gold (gold filled) than in gold plate. An item made with 14kt rolled gold is usually considered a lifetime piece of jewellery.