The pendants are made of either oyster shells or of the beautifully and unique formed and often coloured pieces of Operculums - meaning the little lid of a Florida sea shell or sea snail.

The Operculum is attached to the upper surface of the shell and serves as a "trapdoor" to protect and seal the aperture of the shell or snail. It comes in gorgeous shapes and glossy colours, while the back side is rather flat and corneous.

In the old days, especially in Oceania (Polynesia etc.) chains and girdles composed of the coloured operculum of certain shells were considered valuable ornaments.