The Magpie Skull with Baroque 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 magpie skull form, recreated in sterling silver as a quiet study of structure, memory and natural beauty. Paired with a baroque freshwater pearl, the necklace creates a contrast between the sculptural silver skull and the soft, irregular lustre of the pearl.
The result is a distinctive piece of memento mori jewellery: slightly gothic, refined and deeply connected to my interest in natural history, ethical specimen work and preservation.
Materials: Sterling silver and baroque 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: 42 cm, with 3 cm extension chain.
Magpie skull: 5 cm.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more necklaces.
FAQ
Q1: Is the Magpie Skull with Baroque Pearl Necklace made from a real skull?
A: The finished necklace is made from sterling silver, not bone. The design began with a real magpie skull, which was carefully moulded so its natural 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 baroque pearl look exactly the same as the photo?
A: No. Baroque freshwater pearls are naturally irregular, so each pearl will vary slightly in shape, surface and lustre. These natural differences are part of what makes each necklace unique.
The Magpie Skull with Baroque 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 magpie skull form, recreated in sterling silver as a quiet study of structure, memory and natural beauty. Paired with a baroque freshwater pearl, the necklace creates a contrast between the sculptural silver skull and the soft, irregular lustre of the pearl.
The result is a distinctive piece of memento mori jewellery: slightly gothic, refined and deeply connected to my interest in natural history, ethical specimen work and preservation.
Materials: Sterling silver and baroque 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: 42 cm, with 3 cm extension chain.
Magpie skull: 5 cm.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more necklaces.
FAQ
Q1: Is the Magpie Skull with Baroque Pearl Necklace made from a real skull?
A: The finished necklace is made from sterling silver, not bone. The design began with a real magpie skull, which was carefully moulded so its natural 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 baroque pearl look exactly the same as the photo?
A: No. Baroque freshwater pearls are naturally irregular, so each pearl will vary slightly in shape, surface and lustre. These natural differences are part of what makes each necklace unique.
