The Possum Vertebra with Baroque Freshwater Pearls 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 began with real possum vertebrae, chosen for their sculptural structure and delicate natural form. Through the moulding and casting process, the vertebrae have been recreated in sterling silver, transforming the original specimens into lasting wearable objects.
Baroque freshwater pearls soften the silver vertebra forms, adding irregular organic lustre and gentle contrast. The result is refined, unusual and connected to my ongoing interest in natural history, ethical specimen work, memory and preservation.
Materials: Sterling silver and baroque freshwater pearls
Process: Each necklace is handmade in small quantities using traditional silversmithing and casting techniques. The original possum vertebrae were carefully moulded before being cast in sterling silver. Slight differences in texture, finish and baroque pearl character should be expected as part of the handmade process.
Dimensions: Necklace length: 44 cm, with 5 cm extension chain. Each bone form: 2.5 cm.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more necklaces.
FAQ
Q1: Is the Possum Vertebra with Baroque Freshwater Pearls Necklace made from real bone?
A: The finished necklace is made from sterling silver, not bone. The design began with real possum vertebrae, which were carefully moulded so their small sculptural structure and natural surface detail could be preserved before being cast in sterling silver.
Q2: Will the baroque freshwater pearls look exactly the same as the photo?
A: Baroque freshwater pearls are natural materials, so each pearl may vary in shape, surface and lustre. Their irregular forms are part of what gives the necklace its organic character.
Q3: 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.
The Possum Vertebra with Baroque Freshwater Pearls 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 began with real possum vertebrae, chosen for their sculptural structure and delicate natural form. Through the moulding and casting process, the vertebrae have been recreated in sterling silver, transforming the original specimens into lasting wearable objects.
Baroque freshwater pearls soften the silver vertebra forms, adding irregular organic lustre and gentle contrast. The result is refined, unusual and connected to my ongoing interest in natural history, ethical specimen work, memory and preservation.
Materials: Sterling silver and baroque freshwater pearls
Process: Each necklace is handmade in small quantities using traditional silversmithing and casting techniques. The original possum vertebrae were carefully moulded before being cast in sterling silver. Slight differences in texture, finish and baroque pearl character should be expected as part of the handmade process.
Dimensions: Necklace length: 44 cm, with 5 cm extension chain. Each bone form: 2.5 cm.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more necklaces.
FAQ
Q1: Is the Possum Vertebra with Baroque Freshwater Pearls Necklace made from real bone?
A: The finished necklace is made from sterling silver, not bone. The design began with real possum vertebrae, which were carefully moulded so their small sculptural structure and natural surface detail could be preserved before being cast in sterling silver.
Q2: Will the baroque freshwater pearls look exactly the same as the photo?
A: Baroque freshwater pearls are natural materials, so each pearl may vary in shape, surface and lustre. Their irregular forms are part of what gives the necklace its organic character.
Q3: 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.
