Victorian Operculum Earrings

These stones are operculum, a colourful, domed section of shell that grows on the foot of the Turbo sparverius sea snail. When the snail retreats into its shell, it pulls its foot inside last, slotting the operculum over the aperture like a door to protect against danger. The earrings are things of beauty, simple beauty, capturing the very essence of their time: a blend of aesthetics and naturalism. Since they are not mounted, the spiral backs are also visible. Joke: Why are operculate snails so successful in job interviews? Because they have a foot in the door. Era: Victorian, circa 1870 Stone: Operculum Drop: 3.7cm (from tops of ear wires) Width: 2.0cm Marks: None, tested as sterling silver Condition: Great antique condition; light wear consistent with age