The GEMS OF THE SEA Collection

Capturing and enhancing the intricate, exquisite detail of a natural seashell and taking it to the level of design it deserves, is the reason for the Gems of the Sea collection.

Copies of shells in gold and silver abound. What is exciting about these designs is working with the actual shell itself.

The challenge in presenting them in a jewelry piece is exactly what makes them so special: fragility and toughness. Fragile, as they cannot be overworked, if worked at all, and hard as they cannot be easily manipulated or shaped.

Finding the right combination that enhances, without overwhelming, the beauty of these natural creations is the goal. 

Combining them with precious and semi-precious gemstones elevates their beauty and their ability to stand alone in sophisticated design.

Since childhood seeing only the typical and common ‘shell jewelry’ found at the beach vendors, I wanted to find a way to incorporate them into real and sophisticated pieces. My designs now give women the ability to wear these exotic wonders at formal events as they finally and rightfully take their place among real fashion.

The artist, Kathy Bertone, lives in Naples, Florida with her husband Chet and their small dog, Pups. When she is not designing jewelry she writes. Visit her other website: www.theartofthevisit.com