Trilobite and mother of pearl in a sterling silver setting.

TRILOBITES

Trilobites are a type of extinct arthropod probably most closely related to modern Horseshoe crabs. With a growing number of predators and adapted to diverse habitats, various species of trilobites developed complex eyes, retractable antennae, and even protective spines. Trilobites ranged in size from head-of-a-pin tiny to more than two feet long. Their exoskeletons were composed of extremely hard calcite and calcium phosphate minerals to protect the soft internal organs, and as a result they are quite well represented in the fossil record.

Mother of Pearl

Mother of pearl is the same material from which pearls are formed (though not in pearl shape). A substance called nacre, it is produced by some mollusks as the inner layer of their shell. It is a very strong material and has a beautiful iridescent shine. Mother of pearl can be found in pearl oysters, abalone, nautilus and turban shells. It has been used in dishware, jewelry, inlay, carving and clothing for thousands of years.