Dentalium – Yellow 5 Tears Earrings

Description

Dentalium – Yellow 5 Tears Earrings are a bold expression of movement, light, and tradition. Slender dentalium shells form the striking 8-inch drop, arranged in five flowing “tear” strands that create elegant motion and presence. Accented with yellow, white, silver, and gold tones, the design incorporates a metal base with seed beads, glass beads, silver beads, and tube beads. Carefully handwoven using durable Nymo thread and finished with surgical steel components, the 1 × 8-inch silhouette offers dramatic length while maintaining graceful balance.

In Native American traditions, Dentalium — or tusk shells — are small tubular mollusk shells historically harvested from the Pacific Northwest, particularly around Vancouver Island. Highly valued and widely traded among Indigenous peoples across America, they symbolized wealth, status, and beauty. Dentalium shells were often used to adorn dresses, necklaces, earrings, and ceremonial regalia, reflecting prosperity, honor, and cultural identity.

The five flowing strands evoke themes of continuity, abundance, and renewal, while the vibrant yellow and metallic accents reflect warmth, light, and vitality. Together, the elements create a powerful statement piece rooted in tradition and elevated through contemporary artistry.

Dentalium – Yellow 5 Tears honor heritage, prosperity, and enduring cultural symbolism through a striking and elegant design.

Details

• Colors: Yellow, white, silver, gold

• Materials: Dentalium shells, metal base, seed beads, glass beads, silver beads, tube beads, Nymo thread, surgical steel

• Size: 1 × 8 inches

Care Instructions: Wipe with damp cloth and keep dry. Dentalium is a delicate shell and can break or crack if you are rough with it. Even though the Nymo thread is nylon based and is very strong, pulling hard and yanking on the earrings can tear the thread. Please be kind to these earrings when you wear them.