Horn of Triton

Green Pearl , Gold, and Nepalese Conch Shell Pendant Necklace

Horn of Triton has been sold, but if you like this style, let me know! I would love to work with you on a custom-designed piece of jewelry. Just send me a note at kelly@xogallery.com and we'll get started!

Sold Price: $400

This one-of-a-kind artisan necklace employs materials from cultures around the world, each piece working together to create an under the sea treasure. It looks like something that would adorn a mermaid or merman. In Greek mythology, Triton, son of Poseidon,  is a god of the sea and is often depicted as a merman. He blows into a conch shell to control the waves of the sea.

Conch shells play important roles in many different cultures and religions. In Indian culture the conch shell is an emblem of power and authority that can banish evil spirits and scare away poisonous creatures when sounded. Interestingly, the subcontinent of India itself is in the shape of a conch. In Buddhism the conch is a symbol of religious sovereignty that proclaims the truth of the dharma. It is used as a musical instrument in a Tibetan orchestra, as well as in Buddhist rituals. In Hawaii, a special ceremonial conch is used to announce the opening of the state legislature.

This particular conch was decorated with silver, coral and turquoise and intricately detailed in Nepal. Here, high up in the Himalayas, the conch shell is used in Buddhist rituals where it is both blown and used as a receptacle for holy water.

Another interesting discovery about the conch shell is that it spirals in the ratio 1.618 commonly referred to as both the Golden Mean and the Divine Proportion. This number is represented by the Greek letter phi and it is based on the Fibonacci sequence of numbers. This ratio mysteriously appears over and over again in nature

The pearls are cultured freshwater pearls that are dyed a beautiful moss green, still maintaining their natural iridescent luster. They are framed on each end by a series of beads that harmonize together, but still offer their unique characteristics. These include intricately designed vermeil beads, iridescent enamel-coated ceramic beads, African woven brass beads and ancient African rings.

This unique piece of handcrafted artisan jewelry closes with a large lobster clasp and brass chain to extend to your desired length.