Orca Studs

The Orca Studs - these handmade sterling silver earrings feature Whitewater Turquoise stones surrounded by a hand stamped pattern. Below the stone dangle orcas, with a patina to bring them to life, and freshwater peal fringe.

Did you know there are three distinct ecotypes of Orcas in the Tongass? Residents stick to more localized ranges and eat exclusively fish, especially salmon. Bigg's (transient) orcas roam more widely and hunt marine mammals. Offshore orcas are the least understood - they roam the continental shelf and only occasionally show up in the fjords.

It’s always a super special moment being amongst the whales. I’ve seen them from the small plane on the way to Juneau, on my ferry ride back from the airport, on my morning run along the coast, while working up on the landslide, hanging out by a fire on the coast, and my favorite - while working as a marine mammal observer one winter for the local dock project. It was so fun to be out there all day and observe the patterns of the marine life. I loved getting to see the orca pod come up every couple weeks - checking out the east side of the fjord, before turning around at the end and heading back scouting the west side. Moments like this make me miss living by the ocean! 

• Length from top of studs to bottom of fringe: ~2.3in 
• Weight: ~5.5g each
• Comes with polishing cloth

All pieces are handmade by me - given this process slight variations between pieces or small imperfections may be present. This makes every piece one of a kind and enhances its individual charm. Orders will come wrapped for gift giving. Please make sure to look through the listing carefully. I do not accept returns, cancelations or exchanges. If there are any issues with craftsmanship, please reach out to me!