The Shiva Shell  & The South African Turban Shell

Shiva shell, also known as Shiva Eye or Pacific Cat's Eye, is the protective covering at the opening of the Turban snail shell (Turbo Smaragdus). Towards the end of the snail's natural life this protective door (known as the operculum) detaches and sinks to the seabed.

On one side of the Shiva eye shell is a beautiful spiral. The exact shape of the spiral is unique from one shell to the next. The color varies from beige to deep green, depending on the sea snail's diet, while the background always remains a milky white.

This spiral symbol is also seen in the Japanese healing arts. In a form of Reiki this swirl symbolizes an energy force of power and strength.

On the reverse side of the spiral is a mesh of colors that resembles an eye, which is where the shell's alternate name derives from.

The Eye of Shiva is the third eye in the middle of the forehead of the Hindu God Shiva. Representing wisdom it is thought to have the ability to look beyond the obvious. It symbolizes the creation, preservation and destruction of everything, the flow of life, the constant change of the universe, spiritual knowledge and creative visualization.

Eye of Shiva Shell jewelry makes for a wonderful gift because of its natural beauty coupled with its spiritual meanings. We will be adding to our beautiful collection of Eye of Shiva jewelry all the time with more shiva shell pendants, shiva shell rings, and shiva shell earrings.

The Turbinidae family includes the shells known commonly as turban shells. The South African turban (Turbo Sarmaticus) is one of the most appreciated and sought after by shell enthusiasts. This is especially true once polished to reveal the attractive nacre of the inner layer.

Found on the shores of South Africa and the Philippines. This particular species grows to approximately 3 inches.

It is the unmistakable shell markings and coloration that make these shells a prized possession among collectors. The silvery white mother-of-pearl deposits, combined with its natural rusty brown color make the outer shell patterns fascinating and the perfect inaly material for jewelry items.

Abalone Shell

Abalone are mollusks (soft bodied, shelled animals such as clams and oysters) that belong to the genus Haliotis. There are thought to be around 100 to 130 species of abalone including hybrids.

They occupy a one-piece shell, which is rounded or oval with a row of respiratory pores running along one side. The abalone clings tightly to rocky surfaces and must be pried loose.

There are many types, including : black, pink, green or blue, pinto, red, threaded, and white. Found in tropical seas they feed principally on algae.

Abalone are characterized by a richly colored inside shell made of nacre with a rough, brown colored outer shell. Revealing the lustrous beauty of the outer shell is a careful process of abrasion and polishing techniques.

Abalone is known as ormer in the English Channel, awabi in Japan, muttonfish in Australia and paua in New Zealand. The meat of this mollusk is considered a delicacy in certain parts of Latin America, South east Asia, and East Asia (especially in Japan, China, and Korea)

Throughout history this beautiful shell has been much sought after. In ancient times, royalty decorated their robes and turbans with them, while women adorned themselves with abalone shell jewelry.

Today, many forms of jewelry are designed with the unique characteristics and beauty of the abalone. As well as abalone shell jewelry, the vibrant abalone shell pieces are used as decorative inlay in furniture, guitars, and ornaments.

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