Mama Africa Chunky Shell Necklace

by Deborah Hall
(South Africa)

Wild, earthy and organic, this necklace was inspired by my adopted home - Africa.

While creating this necklace, a huge male baboon came into my house and helped himself to my fruit, baring his very imposing teeth at me to warn me to leave him alone.

He wasn't afraid of me, and at one stage, I (stupidly) was within about 5 feet of him, brandishing my jewelry hammer in one hand and this (unfinished) necklace in the other!

My mother-in-law says this very African experience brought out the creative force in me, which turned into this necklace.

Each shell was found by me along Africa's shores. Though they are worn and broken by the churning force of the sea, they are each lovely, reminding me of Africa's people.

Together, they form an unexpected beauty. The shells are big and chunky, making this a bold and eccentric necklace.

I've used two gauges of copper wire, which I upcycled from electrical wire to connect the shells and handcraft the twirls and the clasp.

Please keep in mind that the copper isn't treated, and therefore will form a patina. It will probably darken, and will contrast with the lighter shells beautifully.

There are four Ethiopian silver handmade beads. One is up near the clasp, and the other three are in a triangle near the shells.

Also included in this necklace are lots of Abo or Bauxite beads. These beads are created mainly by the Krobo people of Ghana.

They are made from bauxite, a rock mainly consisting of aluminum ore that is usually found near industrial areas, specifically the Akosombo Dam, which created Lake Volta, one of the biggest man made lakes in the world.

Each of the beads is unique and imperfect, with the rich, brownish-red color typical of African soil.

The biggest shell measures 8cm x 5cm (3 inches x 2 inches), and the smallest shell measures 6cm x 3cm (2 ¼ inches x just over 1 inch).

The necklace measures approximately 44cm (17 ¼ inches). It is a somewhat difficult necklace to measure, as the shell combination is curved. I have a somewhat slender neck, and it fits me perfectly.

Since taking the photos, I have added a handcrafted copper link extension, with a tiny carved bone bead at the end, which dangles down your back. It extends the necklace 3cm (1 ¼ inches).

Deborah Hall
Singing Heart Jewelry