Vintage Sterling Silver and Inlaid Shell Navette Drop Earrings

This is a pair of vintage navette-shaped drop earrings crafted in sterling silver, featuring central inlaid sections of iridescent shell, likely paua or abalone. The earrings are characterized by an elongated, pointed oval silhouette measuring approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length. The construction technique utilizes a multi-layered design: a central polished shell sliver is bezel-set and surrounded by a border of decorative silver work including twisted wire rope detailing and granulation (tiny silver beads). This ornate silver work sits within an outer recessed oxidized frame that provides depth and contrast to the brightly colored shell. The shell insets exhibit a high degree of iridescence with visible flashes of green, blue, pink, and gold. The earrings are suspended from simple French hook ear wires, one of which appears slightly bent, indicating a softer silver alloy common in handcrafted jewelry. The silver exhibits a heavy natural patina and tarnishing, particularly in the recessed areas, which is consistent with age and emphasizes the texture of the wirework. While no maker's mark is visible on the front, the style and craftsmanship are indicative of mid-20th-century artisan work, possibly within the Southwestern United States or Mexican silver tradition. The items show minor surface wear and oxidation consistent with a vintage or antique estate origin.