A few weeks ago I went on a trip to Jamaica to celebrate a 40th birthday. It was idyllic there, we had a private beach that we could go kayaking and paddle boarding from and also snorkeling.
There were lots of sea urchins in Discovery Bay (where we were staying) and while I was snorkeling I found a dead one. It may sound gross, but the shell that it leaves is actually rather beautiful, so I thought I would make a necklace that resembled it.
Here are some photos of the sea urchins alive and the shell that it leaves behind.
Here's how I made the necklace.
First I picked out a round sterling silver disc, 1" in diameter and 22 gauge. In order to make it rounded like the shell, I used a dapping block which has domed circles in the cube and also a rounded tool which you strike with a hammer.
Once I had the domed piece, I then needed to drill a hole in the middle to resemble the hole in the shell and also add a hole for the jump ring which will be the bail for the necklace.
At this point I was ready to add the little balls that are on the side of the shell (which when alive are the spikes). For this, I use a dot metal stamp which I strike with a hammer.
And here's the finished piece!
Here are some photos from the trip!
I highly recommend Jamaica, it's a truly beautiful island.
