Delicate little oval Paua studs set in sterling silver. Sterling Silver butterflies included Height approx. .7cm Width approx. .4cm Paua Shells are a type of Taonga (Treasure) in Maori Culture, thought to bring connectivity, harmony, and transition. They are said to have been made by Tangaroa (God of the Sea), as the Paua had no shell. Tangaroa’s brother Tane provided the greens of the forest, violet from the dawn sky, pink from the sunset, and a shimmering pearl shine. Unfortunately, the shell was broken by jealous sea creatures. Tangaroa saw this and strengthened their shell with blues of the oceans and made a camouflage coat to protect them and blend in with the rocks. Tangaroa asked the Paua to add layer upon layer for the rest of their life. Only the Paua were able to see their own beauty. After the Paua passed on, their shell washed onto the shore to allow others to see the beauty that they created over their life. Photos are example only, your pair of earrings will be chosen intuitively