Trap Door Earrings in Copper

Description

Simultaneously bold and intriguing, these operculum earrings in copper have it all for the geek-chic among us.

What are opercula? Many species of marine and freshwater snails form opercula of the same material as their shell. They attach to the foot of the snail and seal off the entrance to the shell when they duck inside it. These handy little discs help protect the snail from predators or desiccation (drying out) – important for freshwater varieties and those that live on shores. You can see spiral growth pattern on one side, as they need to grow in size along with the rest of the snail.

These particular opercula are from the moon snail, Natica bibalteata, a large, predatory snail native to the waters around Japan that drills through the shells of its prey.

Please note that as a natural, biological material the shells may have imperfections, nicks, or cracks. They’ve been through a lot in their lifetime.

Size

• Length: 5.7 cm (2.2 in)
• Not adjustable.
• Weight: 10 g