Core Money Cowrie Earrings I - Ventral (Copy)

Cowries are our core. Their beauty and intensity shine forth in this minimalist design featuring handmade Argentium Silver (.940) ear wires.

Money Cowries [Monetaria moneta (Linnaeus, 1758)] are flattened and angular with callous sides. Their color ranges from rich yellow and cream. They found in along the coast of East Africa to the Galapagos, and most notably from the Maldives.

Interesting history tidbit: Around 1357 AD, the Muslim Sultana/Queen Khadijah of the Maldives spearheaded the international shipping and obsession with Money cowries as a form of currency. 

We select cowries that complement each other. We consider size, shape and coloring for each unique and distinct pair. 

In this design we focus on the Ventral side of cowrie shells marked by its Labial Opening and Teeth.

This item is also available with the Closed Dorsal Side facing outward.