There's a moment right after Aquitaine catches the light where the eye can't quite settle. Hand-carved, upcycled mother-of-pearl sits prong-set above a backdrop of anodized titanium, and that titanium is where the real magic lives: pink, purple, and blue flash across its surface as it shifts, a tri-color glow that comes entirely from the anodizing process rather than any paint or coating. The pearl brings a soft, luminous calm above all that color movement, and the pairing makes for an earring that feels sculptural.
This piece comes from the husband-and-wife studio behind Michael Jensen's work, made in their New Mexico shop with the kind of eye for material contrast that turns a simple drop earring into something worth a second look. Oxidized sterling silver grounds the composition, while the anodized titanium brings an unexpected touch. 18K yellow gold friction posts assure you even the most sensitive ears can be accommodated.
At Alara, we're drawn to designers who treat unconventional materials as an opportunity, and Aquitaine earns its place in the gallery for exactly that reason. The upcycled carved mother-of-pearl only adds to the appeal for anyone who likes their jewelry with a story attached.
Cold Hard Facts:
- metals: oxidized sterling silver + anodized titanium
- gem: Mother-of-Pearl
- earring type: 18K yellow gold friction posts with sterling silver extra-large (9mm) friction backs
- width: 1 1/8" at widest point
- length: 1 7/8"
FAQ
Will the colors look exactly like the photos when Aquitaine arrives?
Close, but expect some natural shimmer and shift. The tri-color flash on these earrings comes from anodized titanium, a technique where color appears through light refraction rather than pigment, so pink, purple, and blue tones can look slightly different depending on the angle and the light around you. Add in the usual differences between screens (monitor settings, video cards, browser display), and the exact hue you see in person may read a touch warmer, cooler, or more vivid than what's on your screen. That's simply how iridescent titanium behaves, on camera and off.
Are these true drop earrings?
Yes. Aquitaine is built as a drop silhouette, with a friction post at the top and the mother-of-pearl and titanium composition suspended below for gentle movement.
What makes these earrings different from other mother-of-pearl pieces?
The combination is the whole story here: hand-carved, upcycled mother-of-pearl layered above anodized titanium, set against oxidized sterling silver and finished with 18K gold posts. That mix of materials, plus the studio behind it, gives Aquitaine a look you won't find in a typical pearl earring.
Would these work as a gift?
Absolutely. They suit someone who already gravitates toward artisan jewelry and unusual materials, or someone ready to try something a little bolder than their usual pearl studs.
