N°49 Statement Earrings

Nature’s Architecture: Woolgoolga’s Algae Transformed into Earrings

Every time I dive or explore a tidepool, I’m not just looking at colors—I’m studying form, texture, and structure. These earrings  are a direct response to the algae on the right, found in a shallow rockpool in Woolgoolga (Whoopi). This algae species exhibits an intricate, layered growth pattern with striking circular voids and translucent fronds. The deep blues and greens, along with the natural perforations formed by the algae’s structure, were my main inspiration for these earrings.

The most defining characteristic of this algae is its circular perforations, which allow water to flow through and light to filter in, creating a dynamic, ever-changing appearance. I wanted to integrate this in a way that felt natural, which is why I used a hammered silver rectangle with circular cut-outs as a structural feature in the earrings.

The color transitions in the algae, from deep sapphire blues to vivid greens, are replicated through the gemstone choices—apatite, chrysoprase, iolite, and aquamarine—which mimic the depth and vibrancy of this marine organism.

• Apatite (Deep Blue Focal Stones) – The faceted apatite gemstones at the top of the earrings are a direct reference to the algae’s darkest blue regions, where light is absorbed and shadowed by overlapping fronds. The deep saturation and natural variation in apatite make it the perfect choice to reflect this element.
• Chrysoprase & Iolite  – The algae don't exist in a single color—they shift from deep blues to bright greens. Chrysoprase represents the vibrant green edges of the algae, while iolite, with its blue-violet undertones, captures the more subdued, shadowed regions within the algae’s structure.
• Aquamarine – The delicate transparency of aquamarine mirrors the algae’s semi-translucent fronds, especially in areas where sunlight penetrates its surface. It also reflects the way water interacts with the algae, enhancing its glowing appearance.
• Hammered Silver Rectangle with Circular Cut-Outs – The most literal translation of the algae’s form, this element represents the perforations in the algae’s fronds, which help with gas exchange and water movement. The hammered texture adds depth and mimics the slightly rough, organic surface of the algae when viewed up close.

• set into a silver-plated base from Jaipur & Seoul (6.5 cm long)