Spiny Oyster Shell: Seaborne Spectacle by Everest Devine

SPONDYLUS IN THE SEA
“Spiny oyster shell” is a phrase that we throw around a lot here at Rainbow Bridge Jewelers, referring to a bright, corally red material found in some of our collections. But what is a spiny oyster? To celebrate the approaching spring (and our new ocean-themed Firefly collection), let's take a dive into tropical waters to meet Spondylus molluscs.

Spondylus, the name for a family of molluscs quite similar to scallops, are found all around the world in coastal, tropic seas. While there are many different species, they tend to be identifiable by their orange to purple coloration and their spike-like protrusions. During their lifespan, they attach themselves to coral, boats, and sometimes other molluscs, where they feed by filtering water through their bodies and picking up tiny plankton and algae. Interestingly, their Triassic ancestors have been found in fossil records in Texas!

ART IN THE ANDES
Most memorable about the relationship between humans and Spondylus isn't its edibility (don't try–some species are seasonally toxic), but rather the art that has historically been created from their shells. The famous Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro remarked on an Incan vessel intent on trading gold and jewels for the shells of Spondylus in 1525, though artistic figures using and depicting these shells have been found dating as far back as the first millennium BCE.

The bright red of Spondylus shells found many artistic and ritual uses over the centuries; from inlaid jewelry to the fascinatingly named “Charlie Chaplin” figurines, these mollusc shells remained an important part of Andean culture up until Spanish conquest. In the late 1920's, American archaeologist E.H. Thompson described these “Charlie Chaplin” figures (named as such due to their relatively simplistic human shape, which reminded him of the comic) as an important part of rituals such as prominent burials and dedications to new buildings. Additionally, a certain species of Spondylus has been unearthed to have been used for similar purposes in the eastern Mediterranean, thousands of miles away!

Nowadays, Spondylus has remained an intriguing addition to any jewelry box; with its stunning red hues and fascinating anthropological history, Spondylus is sure to stun! As with most jewelry, we recommend delicate care with soap and water to ensure its longevity. Interested in trying on some Spondylus of your own? Check out our collection!