Spiny Oyster Shell Ring

Spiny Oyster Shell

The spiny oyster shell is a bivalve and has been used in jewelry by Southwest Native Americans for roughly 900 years. Also known as a spondylus they are found around the world but change in appearance. The shells used by Native Americans come out of Baja California. The spiny oyster ranges in color from a bright orange to a deep purple, depending on its diet.