Charles Albert Alchemia Mystic Topaz and Abalone Shell Stud Earrings

Charles Albert; Charles Albert is a brand celebrated for its innovative designs and high-quality, handcrafted jewelry. The newest collection, Alchemia, is inspired by the ancient mythical craft of transforming lesser metals into gold. Similarly, Alchemia fuses a secret blend of elements that when combined simulate the look and feel of 18K gold. This alloy is nickel-free, lead-free and a cost effective alternative to precious metals. It will not tarnish. All Charles Albert creations are one-of-a-kind, encouraging the wearer to express his or her individuality.

Abalone or paua shell comes from the abalone, a sea mollusk. The pearly inside of the shell is polished and used in jewelry making and other decoration. New Zealand abalone have a particularly striking rainbow-colored inside shell. Abalone is usually harvested by divers and prized for its meat as well as its beauty.

Shells are mineral structures formed by aquatic creatures and land mollusks. Lustrous shells including mother-of-pearl have been carved into cameos and buttons since antiquity. The beauty and variety of shells make them a sought-after decorative material.

Derived from "tapaz," the Sanskrit word for fire, topaz is one of the most brilliant cut gemstones in existence. Topaz comes in a variety of colors from yellow to blue, and deeper blues and pinks are often created by heat-treating stones. Brazil is the world's top exporter of topaz.