"The Spondylus shell is one of the few items of Andean archaeology that has been well studied," Reindel says. "It's a very important religious symbol for water and fertility. Like incense in the ...

Inside were often gourd containers, textiles, foodstuffs, and weaving baskets, while external offerings included Spondylus shell, ceramics, wooden canes, and weaving implements. The burial of the ...

The bright red shell used on the mouth and the nose is from the 'Spondylus princeps', the thorny oyster, which was a really highly prized shell in ancient Mexico because of this fabulous scarlet ...

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I cover upmarket jewelry, timepieces & ethical, sustainable jewelry. Tahitian 'Bubble' earrings designed by Sean Gilson for Assael and a ...