The Small Plain Rat Spine Hoop Earrings are handcrafted sterling silver earrings made in Adelaide, South Australia by Olivia Dryden. They belong to the Curios Collection, where natural history, memento mori symbolism and careful craftsmanship meet.
The design began with a real rat spine, chosen for its tiny vertebral structure and delicate repeating form. Through the moulding and casting process, the spine has been recreated in sterling silver, transforming the original specimen into a lasting piece of contemporary jewellery.
Designed as small hoops, these earrings sit close to the ear while still carrying the quiet detail and symbolism of the Curios Collection. The result is subtle, unusual and connected to my ongoing interest in natural history, ethical specimen work, memory and preservation.
Materials: Sterling silver
Process: Each pair is handmade in small quantities using traditional silversmithing and casting techniques. Slight differences in texture, shape and finish should be expected as part of the handmade process.
Dimensions: Hoop: 1.5 cm. 3 mm width.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more earrings.
FAQ
Q1: Are the Small plain Rat Spine Hoop Earrings made from a real rat spine?
A: The finished earrings are made from sterling silver, not bone. The design began with a real rat spine, which was carefully moulded so its tiny vertebral structure and natural detail could be preserved. That mould was then used to cast the spine form in sterling silver, creating a durable 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: How do I clean the Small Plain Rat Spine Hoop Earrings?
A: Avoid perfumes, lotions and harsh chemicals, and gently polish the sterling silver with a soft jewellery cloth. Because the spine form has small, hard-to-reach details, a silver dip may be used occasionally if needed. Always follow the silver dip instructions carefully, rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
The Small Plain Rat Spine Hoop Earrings are handcrafted sterling silver earrings made in Adelaide, South Australia by Olivia Dryden. They belong to the Curios Collection, where natural history, memento mori symbolism and careful craftsmanship meet.
The design began with a real rat spine, chosen for its tiny vertebral structure and delicate repeating form. Through the moulding and casting process, the spine has been recreated in sterling silver, transforming the original specimen into a lasting piece of contemporary jewellery.
Designed as small hoops, these earrings sit close to the ear while still carrying the quiet detail and symbolism of the Curios Collection. The result is subtle, unusual and connected to my ongoing interest in natural history, ethical specimen work, memory and preservation.
Materials: Sterling silver
Process: Each pair is handmade in small quantities using traditional silversmithing and casting techniques. Slight differences in texture, shape and finish should be expected as part of the handmade process.
Dimensions: Hoop: 1.5 cm. 3 mm width.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more earrings.
FAQ
Q1: Are the Small plain Rat Spine Hoop Earrings made from a real rat spine?
A: The finished earrings are made from sterling silver, not bone. The design began with a real rat spine, which was carefully moulded so its tiny vertebral structure and natural detail could be preserved. That mould was then used to cast the spine form in sterling silver, creating a durable 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: How do I clean the Small Plain Rat Spine Hoop Earrings?
A: Avoid perfumes, lotions and harsh chemicals, and gently polish the sterling silver with a soft jewellery cloth. Because the spine form has small, hard-to-reach details, a silver dip may be used occasionally if needed. Always follow the silver dip instructions carefully, rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
