Micheles Tribal Inspirations Jewelry blog

UK’s biggest oyster won’t give the gift of pearls

The biggest oyster ever found in the UK has been discovered in a market in Plymouth. The giant shellfish, unashamedly nicknamed ‘Shelly’ by the newspapers, measures 7” across and weighs 3lb. The oyster has been given a new home in the local aquarium, where it is on public display and proving to be quite the celebrity.

Unfortunately for fashionistas who are loving the current revival of pearl jewellery though, there’s no chance of a giant hidden gem inside the shell, because Shelly is the wrong type of oyster. Although it’s an exceptionally large specimen of the edible oyster, the only species that is native to the English Channel. Edible oysters do produce ‘pearls’ but they are of no value, unlike those which come from other species of oyster.

The valuable pearls used to make pearl earrings, necklaces, bracelets and other jewellery are found in Pteriidae or feathered oysters, which nowadays are farmed on large pearl farms across the world, mainly in China. Pearls are formed inside the shell of an oyster when a grain of sand or other irritant finds its way in and the oyster protects itself by coating it with layers of a substance called nacre to make it smooth. Natural pearls are a lot more highly valued than the cultured variety as they are difficult to find and fully formed, perfectly round natural pearls are rare.

Pearls have been worn for hundreds of years, it’s tradition for brides to wear pearls as well as the rich and glamorous across countless generations. They are well known as a demonstration of purity and love, and large pearls are a way of publicly displaying wealth and class. The introduction of cultured pearls to the jewellery market has made them more widely available in recent years, and the popular vintage fashion revival along with a number of high profile celebrities publicly displaying their love for pearl sets and other classic jewellery means pearls are as desirable as ever. The most recent celebrity flashing her pearls on the fashion pages is America’s first lady Michelle Obama, who is becoming famous for her unique style and ‘imaginative’ jewellery choices including lots of pearls and brooches.

Wired Chinese Knot Pendant And Necklaces

Belleek Jewelry Pansy Necklace B3915 $38.99 Pansy Necklace B3915 – This Fashion Jewellery Collection Has Been Inspired By The Elegant Shades Found In Local Irish Landscapes – Made In Ireland…

Mug Coaster and Tray Chic Design by Kent Pottery New in Box $21.00 This set consists of the following, A ceramic mug that measures approximately 4″ high and 3″ in diameter. A hard resin serving tray that measures approximately 7 1/2″ x 5″. A hard cork coaster that measures approximately 4″ square. The design is a beautiful deep purple color against white. If you’re looking for a gift for someone special or a beautiful gift to bring to the hostess to those p…

Reed & Barton Silverplate Religious Abbey Cross Box W/ Necklace Abbey Cross Box W/ Necklace – Tarnish-Resistant – All Items Elegantly Gift-Boxed – Made In China…

Tactical Warrior Neck Knife with ABS Sheath $3.18 Skeleton design neck knife with molded whistle sheath, and cord for neck carry. Light inexpensive cutting tool……

39 Pc Steel Hand Stamp Set Kit $12.90 39 pc Steel Stamp Set, Letters A-Z, Numbers 0-9 and 2 symbols “.” and “&”. Steel hand stamps are hardened and tempered steel. Steel hand stamps easily stamp letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, and 2 symbols “.” and “&”,into wood, leather, plastics, sheet and softer metals, etc. Includes solid brass automatic center punch no hammer or tools required for a neat and clean punch. Also includes center punch to h…

Captured in Chinatown $2.99 …

Captured in Chinatown $9.99 …

A Scalar Energy Store’s Scalar Energy Pendant w/Neg Ion Charge Silicone Protection Ring $3.29 Our Anion & Scalar Energy Pendant is a wearable handmade jewelry made from special Japanese volcanic lava and contains 70 Natural Cosmic Energy Minerals, manufactured & processed under extreme temperature before it is coagulated to form bio-ceramics under low temperature treatment & structurally bonded together at a molecular level. The QBP Pendant has the highest negative ions count in the market…

Liquid Gold Plating System, Medallion Gold Plating Immersion System $29.85 As seen on TV! Clean it, Plate it, Buff it is just that effortless! We are an authorized dealer of this product! Medallion Brand liquid gold plating system is an easy way to give your dull, scratched, or just plain boring old jewelry a new life. This patented system instantly bonds to base metals, leaving precious and semi-precious stones safe from discoloration. This unique system will bond pure …

LED Flashing Tunnel Infinity Necklace $0.01 Now we bring you this super cool LED Tunnel Necklace, the ultimate light-up party ware! Be the coolest of the party! What a trip! Produces a trippy color tunnel effect right on your chest. A great Gift Idea! These pendants make great favors for any occasion. If you’re looking for a really cool party favor, look no further!…

Jade Buddha Necklace (China) $16.49 Add a mystic touch to any outfit with handmade necklace from China. This beautiful piece of jewelry features a jade Buddha pendant with Chinese knot cord.

Jade Blessing Knot Necklace (China) $17.49 Bring the mystical power of jade to your wardrobe with this beautiful necklace. This handmade jewelry features a carved blessing animal design and is perfect for formal or casual wear.

Agate Buddha Pendant Necklace (China) $15.49 Add a mystic touch to any outfit with an agate Buddha pendantEye-catching necklace is adjustable from 20 to 27 inches longJewelry features a Chinese knot design

Turquoise Pendant/ Tassel Necklace (China) $14.49 Necklace features a unique turquoise pendantJewelry mixes turquoise and glass beadsHandmade jewelry makes a great accent for your day or evening wardrobe

Tourmaline and Pearl Necklace (China) $83.29 This long versatile necklace from Peyote Bird Designs can be worn long with the sterling tassel set asymmetrically or double it up to feature the tassel accent front and center.

Stone Necklace (China) $27.99 Enhance your style with this handcrafted necklace . With your choice of tiger’s eye or turquoise pendant, this beautiful necklace is perfect for casual or formal wear.

Sterling Silver Dainty Turquoise Necklace (China) $29.49 Let this stunning necklace add a touch of style to any look. Handcrafted with dainty turquoise chips separated by glass silver seed beads, this piece of jewelry is finished with a turquoise pendant with a sterling silver beaded bezel.

Silver Peaceful Labradorite Necklace (China) $32.69 Adorn yourself in enchanting beauty with handmade jewelry from China. This necklace features authentic labradorite stones of various sizes that will make an eye-catching addition to your collection.

Beaded Chunky Multi-stone Necklace (China) $43.49 This necklace is strung with carved bone and wood and other chunky mixed-color bead for an eclectic appeal. This handcrafted piece of jewelry will make a perfect addition to any collection with its unique design.

Designs Layered Red Coral Necklace (China) $52.99 This elegant necklace from Peyote Bird Designs features a triple-row of red bamboo coral in a variety of shapes, creating organic texture and drama at the neckline.

Tibetan Silver Turquoise Necklace (China) $22.99 Add a classic Oriental touch to any outfit with this unique Tibetan silver necklace. This handmade necklace uses a unique mix of Tibetan silver and heart-shaped turquoise beads to add just the right touch to any outfit.

Gold and Red 9-strand Hammered Necklace (China) $24.79 Nine strands of glittering bugle beads, seed beads and cord in golds and reds create holiday sparkle on a stunning piece of jewelry. This beautiful necklace is finished with a freeform hammered golden hoop pendant.

Sponge Coral Knotted Necklace (China) $32.99 Let this stunning necklace add a touch of style to any look. Handcrafted with a sterling silver toggle clasp and a silk cord, this gorgeous piece of jewelry showcases brick red sponge coral beads.

Jasper/ Smoke Quartz Necklace (China) $14.69 Necklace features a natural jasper pendant with three tasselsHandmade jewelry mixes natural smoke quartz with glass beadsGemstone necklace makes an eye-catching addition to your day or evening wardrobe

Lemon Stone Tasseled Necklace (China) $15.99 Necklace features a natural lemon stone pendant with four tasselsHandmade jewelry mixes lemon stone and glass beadsGemstone necklace makes an eye-catching addition to your day or evening wardrobe

New Beginnings Chrysocolla Necklace (China) $51.99 Beautiful chrysocolla stones marry deep blues and luscious greens in this handcrafted jewelry from China. This colorful necklace will drape gorgeously around your neck.

Lampwork Silver Glass Starfish Ribbon Necklace (China) $27.59 Handmade lampwork glass shaped like a starfish hangs from three waxed cotton cords and an organza ribbon on this necklace. Glass pendant is 2 inches wide with self bail, silver metal lobster claw clasp and 2.5-inch extension chain.

Unakite/ Glass Bead Necklace (China) $20.09 Necklace features a unique, large unakite pendantJewelry mixes unakite stones and glass beadsHandmade jewelry makes a great accent for your day or evening wardrobe

Gemstone Leaf Silver Necklace (China) $29.49 Add a touch of elegance to any outfit with the gemstone leaf silver pendant & necklaceDelicate leaf pendant hangs from a silver chain necklaceThis unique pendant comes in a choice of garnet, amethyst, or olivine

Silver Quartz and Pearl Necklace (China) $25.99 “Exude soft femininity with this angelic necklace of nature’s precious treasuresHandmade jewelry features two strands that drape gracefully on the chestNecklace adorned with a pattern of pearls and quartz stones”

Pearl and Green Aventurine Necklace (China) $70.49 This exotic necklace is handcrafted of freshwater pearls and green aventurine This unique necklace features an eye-catching aventurine wheelThe ornate double-strand design of this necklace is adorned with baubles

Peyote Bird Designs Black Lariat Necklace (China) $27.99 This handmade, elegant rope necklace by Peyote Bird Designs features black bugle and seed beads. This lariat necklace is further enhanced with a knotted tassel and faceted black crystal beads to complete the look.

Peyote Bird Designs Scarlet Shell Necklace (China) $26.79 This dramatic necklace from Peyote Bird Designs features a large deep red shell pendant accented by an antiqued gold-plated filigree disk with a flower dangle. This necklace is suspended from multiple strands of brown cord with a two-inch extension.

Peyote Bird Designs Turquoise Bead Necklace (China) $85.99 Wrap this lengthy turquoise necklace by Peyote Bird Designs, once, twice, even three times. This necklace from Peyote Bird Designs can be worn layered or in one long strand for a completely different look.

Large Round Moss Agate Pendant with Necklace (China) $23.49 Unique round moss agate pendant showcases a Tibetan silver designTibetan silver jewelry contains about 30-percent silver mixed with other metalsMoss agate pendant is transparent under light

Sterling Silver Jade Heart Necklace (China) $31.49 Bring the mystical power of jade to your wardrobe with this beautiful jade heart pendantNecklace features silver milligrain detail around a central jade heartJade jewelry is traditionally treasured for its hardness, texture and color

Peyote Bird Designs Turquoise and Wood Necklace (China) $29.49 This stylish necklace from Peyote Bird Designs features a unique combination of turquoise nuggets, wood beads and sterling silver. This handmade necklace is a unique piece of world art made by artisans in China.

Lampwork Blue Glass Starfish Ribbon Necklace (China) $23.49 Handmade lampwork glass shaped like a starfish hangs from three waxed cotton cords and an organza ribbon on this necklace. Glass pendant is 2 inches wide with self bail, silver metal lobster claw clasp and 2.5-inch extension chain.

Peyote Bird Designs Crimson Necklace (China) $28.99 This unique necklace from Peyote Bird Designs features a large deep red pendant suspended on multiple strands of black cord. A black matrix design adds to the depth of this bezel-set crimson necklace.

Silver-alloy/ Agate Pendant Necklace (China) $19.29 Necklace features a unique oval agate pendant with design in Tibetan silverTibetan silver jewelry contains 30-percent silver alloyed with other metalsAgate handmade jewelry is beautifully transparent under light

Sterling Silver Red Coral Necklace (China) $105.99 Update your wardrobe with this stunning chunky coral necklace. With sterling silver and dyed glass beads, this beautiful necklace is handcrafted by artisans in China.

Yellow Jade Happy Buddha Necklace (China) $21.99 Adorn yourself in beauty with an adjustable necklace from China. This stunning piece of handmade jewelry is crafted of yellow jade with a happy Buddha design.

Turquoise and Red Bamboo Coral Long Necklace (China) $57.69 This necklace of turquoise and red bamboo is accented by faceted clear quartz, sterling bead and silver glass seed beads. The beautiful handmade piece of jewelry is long enough to wear wrapped several times.

Wased Cotton Hand-knotted Turquoise Necklace (China) $28.99 Waxed brown cords are hand-knotted with turquoise chips and offer a diamond shaped turquoise stone in this necklace. This piece of jewelry offers a brass extension chain and lobster clasp.

Jade Buddha Head pendant with Necklace (China) $14.19 Add a mystic touch to any outfit with a jade Buddha head pendant with Chinese knot necklace. This handmade pendant comes with a brown color Chinese knot necklace.

Sterling Silver Dainty Turquoise and Coral Necklace (China) $24.19 A dainty sterling pendant, inlayed with natural turquoise, dangles from this 2-strand necklace. Accented with red bamboo coral and turquoise and silver seed beads, this piece of jewelry closes with a sterling silver lobster claw clasp.

Peyote Bird Designs Bead and Donut Necklace (China) $28.49 This handmade necklace by Peyote Bird Designs features beads of varying shapes in warm shades of brown. This necklace showcases a caramel donut with brass filigree accent suspended from a leather cord.

Multi-layered Pearl Mesh Ribbon Necklace (China) $18.49 This unique necklace is accented with pearls and wrapped with red silk to give an ombre effect. Strung with wood and silvertone beads, this necklace is perfect for casual and formal wear.

Peyote Bird Designs Bead Tassel Necklace (China) $38.49 This handmade necklace by Peyote Bird Designs features long layers of peacock-colored beads and a chain gathered with brass and smokey glass beads. This stylish necklace is completed with a multi-strand bead tassel.

Stainless Steel Message Charm Necklace (China) $23.99 Love and passion messages adorn this charm cable necklaceBeautiful jewelry features a polished stainless steel constructionStunning charm necklace is handcrafted by artisans from China

Peyote Bird Designs Amethyst Tassel Necklace (China) $26.94 This charming Peyote Bird Designs handmade long necklace combines different tones and shapes of amethyst and chains. This necklace is crafted of antique silvertone chain.

Green Crystal Chinese Knot Necklace (China) $12.29 Add a mystic touch to any outfit with an green crystal necklaceGreen crystal pendant showcases a dragon carving design Chinese knot necklace is adjustable from 18 to 24 inches long

Peyote Bird Designs Silver 3-strand Heart Charm Necklace (China) $25.55 This stylish Peyote Bird Designs necklace features three rows of white and silver glass seed beads enhanced by a sterling silver heart charm with accents of turquoise, coral pearl and pyrite. This handmade necklace includes 1.5-inch extension.

Lampwork Gold Glass Starfish Ribbon Necklace (China) $22.09 Handmade lampwork glass shaped like a starfish hangs from three waxed cotton cords and an organza ribbon on this necklace. Glass pendant is 2 inches wide with self bail, silver metal lobster claw clasp and 2.5-inch extension chain.

Peyote Bird Sterling Multi-gemstone Necklace (China) $47.49 Add style to any look with this stunning necklace. Handcrafted, this necklace is accented with an etched sterling silver bead & semi-precious stones of pyrite, sponge coral, turquoise, howlite, flash stone, labradorite, freshwater pearl, glass seed beads.

Stainless Steel Puffed-bead Necklace (China) $30.49 This chunky bead necklace will make a perfect accent piece to your wardrobeBeautiful jewelry features a polished stainless steel constructionStunning puffed-bead necklace is handcrafted by artisans from China

Designs Red Coral Potpourri Necklace (China) $27.49 This stylish necklace from Peyote Bird Designs features a potpourri of coral in a variety of shapes for a unique and organic feel. Roundels, tubes, rounds, chips and rice shapes are all part of this long red bamboo coral necklace.

Peyote Bird Designs Sodalite Sweetheart Necklace (China) $29.99 This charming Peyote Bird Designs handmade necklace is composed of natural shells and blue sodalite. This necklace features a delicate combination of metal, shell and stone charms with a heart shaped motif.

14k Dipped Jade Necklace (China) $89.99 Decorate your wardrobe with this beautiful jade necklace. Crafted of 14k gold plating over sterling silver and jade, this lovely jewelry is handcrafted by artisans in the United States.

Amethyst/ Pearl/ Quartz/ Glass/ Silver Necklace (China) $40.49 Let your individuality shine with this captivating wrap necklaceThis delightful necklace features a versatile, no-clasp designNecklace is adorned with an alternating pattern of pearls, amethyst baubles and glass beads