This delightful silver sea turtle necklace in fossilized walrus tusk captures the intrepid baby sea turtle's successful voyage from its sandy nest to the sea - a tale of triumph and a new life begun!
Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory Ocean Earrings, Handmade Silver - Sea Breeze
Handmade Silver Surf Earrings - Maori Surf Design
Baby sea turtles begin their life's journey on the beach after hatching and digging their way out of their sandy nest. Then begins the bold, instinctual scramble for the sea where they can begin their life amongst the waves. Only a selection of each nest will make it to the ocean, however, and this favorite walrus ivory pendant celebrates the triumph of life over adversity.
The baby sea turtle's body is carved from fossilized walrus ivory, a very special material that is some 500 to 3,000 years old. This fossilized ivory spends centuries in the earth where minerals color it a beautiful range of creamy brown colors. Native peoples gather the exposed fossilized walrus tusk, and it is used the world over in carved ivory jewelry pieces such as this one and in other works of art.
The hand worked sterling silver setting features an abstract surf design and speckled sand design, all in a graceful shield shape that complements the protective mood of this piece. This turtle pendant necklace conveys a sense that the turtle is being watched over, lending this piece a talisman feel.
Almost all sea turtle species are endangered. At Zealandia, our use of ancient mammoth ivory and our connection to the natural world has made us especially sensitive to the fragile nature of life on earth. We hope this silver sea turtle necklace helps raise awareness for these precious creatures and the ongoing worldwide conservation efforts that are happening.