This sterling silver lariat necklace features seven stunning New Zealand Paua cabochons. I matched, cut, and formed three different sizes before giving each a strong supporting polymer backing and framing them with a row of granulation.  They have enclosed backs which helps protect the cabochons and also adds substantial silver weight to the piece. The stations are connected with hand forged mini paperclip links, and I continued the paperclip links in a larger size for the length of the chain.  The closure is a large lobster claw clasp that can close around any of the links, so you can wear this long or short.  The length, not including the two small cabs that hang from the large center station, is approximately 21” in length. The two lower stations add another 3” to the length. Because the colors in Paua constantly shift and change depending on the light, I've taken many pics in an endeavor to show this, however they are always more spectacular in person. 

As a tiny child running along New Zealand beaches, I became captivated with the Paua (cousin of Abalone) shell and its stunning iridescent swirls of blues, greens and pinks. Every surface of my bedroom that could hold a shell, held a shell. Now I collect them for jewelry.  It takes a lot of work to match, cut and shape each piece, but it’s a labor of love.