The Finch Skull & Pearl Necklace is a handcrafted sterling silver necklace made in Adelaide, South Australia by Olivia Dryden. It belongs to the Curios Collection, where natural history, memento mori symbolism and careful craftsmanship meet.
The design centres on a finch skull form, recreated in sterling silver as a quiet study of delicacy, structure and remembrance. Its small scale gives the necklace an intimate quality, while the skull motif connects the piece to memento mori traditions and the beauty found in natural remains.
Freshwater pearls soften the sculptural silver form, adding gentle contrast and a sense of organic variation. The result is refined, slightly gothic and connected to my ongoing interest in natural history, ethical specimen work, memory and preservation.
Materials: Sterling silver, freshwater pearls
Process: Each necklace is handmade in small quantities using traditional silversmithing and casting techniques. Slight differences in texture, finish and pearl character should be expected as part of the handmade process.
Dimensions: Necklace length: 43 cm, with 4 cm extension chain.
Finch skull: 3 cm x 1.5 cm.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more necklaces.
FAQ
Q1: Is the Finch Skull & Pearl Necklace made from a real skull?
A: The finished necklace is made from sterling silver, not bone. The design began with a real finch skull, which was carefully moulded so its small structure, beak form and surface detail could be preserved. That mould was then used to cast the skull in sterling silver, creating a lasting metal version of the original specimen.
Q2: Are the animal specimens ethically sourced?
A: Yes. Animal specimens used in Olivia Dryden Jewellery are sourced from animals that have passed from unpreventable causes, and each piece is created with respect for the original specimen.
Q3: Will the freshwater pearls look exactly the same as the photo?
A: No. Freshwater pearls are natural materials, so each pearl may vary slightly in shape, surface and lustre. These subtle differences are part of the character of the necklace.
The Finch Skull & Pearl Necklace is a handcrafted sterling silver necklace made in Adelaide, South Australia by Olivia Dryden. It belongs to the Curios Collection, where natural history, memento mori symbolism and careful craftsmanship meet.
The design centres on a finch skull form, recreated in sterling silver as a quiet study of delicacy, structure and remembrance. Its small scale gives the necklace an intimate quality, while the skull motif connects the piece to memento mori traditions and the beauty found in natural remains.
Freshwater pearls soften the sculptural silver form, adding gentle contrast and a sense of organic variation. The result is refined, slightly gothic and connected to my ongoing interest in natural history, ethical specimen work, memory and preservation.
Materials: Sterling silver, freshwater pearls
Process: Each necklace is handmade in small quantities using traditional silversmithing and casting techniques. Slight differences in texture, finish and pearl character should be expected as part of the handmade process.
Dimensions: Necklace length: 43 cm, with 4 cm extension chain.
Finch skull: 3 cm x 1.5 cm.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more necklaces.
FAQ
Q1: Is the Finch Skull & Pearl Necklace made from a real skull?
A: The finished necklace is made from sterling silver, not bone. The design began with a real finch skull, which was carefully moulded so its small structure, beak form and surface detail could be preserved. That mould was then used to cast the skull in sterling silver, creating a lasting metal version of the original specimen.
Q2: Are the animal specimens ethically sourced?
A: Yes. Animal specimens used in Olivia Dryden Jewellery are sourced from animals that have passed from unpreventable causes, and each piece is created with respect for the original specimen.
Q3: Will the freshwater pearls look exactly the same as the photo?
A: No. Freshwater pearls are natural materials, so each pearl may vary slightly in shape, surface and lustre. These subtle differences are part of the character of the necklace.
