Orca Mother of Pearl Scrimshaw Necklace

$2,560.00
ONE OF A KINDShips in 1-3 business days

A lone orca glides across luminous mother of pearl, its dark form etched against shifting iridescence: like a quiet crossing through open water, held in a frame of gold.

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THE MEANING BEHIND Scimshaw

“Revisiting the bygone art of scrimshaw, hand-engraving and inking illustrations into natural materials, this collection pays homage to a craft rooted in maritime history.” ~ Hannah
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Collage of a person carving a mermaid design, the carved scrimshaw design, and an ear wearing the scrimshaw earring.

Mother of pearl scrimshaw necklace.

The pendant measures approx. 16.75 x 19.35mm. The chain is 18" in length, including the lobster clasp.

The chain, setting, and jump ring are solid 14k yellow gold. India ink illustrations.

All metal has a matte finish.

Scrimshaw, the technique of hand-engraving + inking illustrations into shells, gemstones and other materials, dates back to whalers of the late 18th century; scrimshanders of yore created their hand-etched pieces to pass the time at night aboard their ships. Each illustration in the Scrimshaw collection is freehand and hand-carved by Hannah.

Mother of pearl is the iridescent nacre that lines the inner shell of certain mollusks, in this case the Pinctada maxima pearl oyster. Like all pearls, those from Pinctada maxima form when an irritant becomes trapped within the mollusk, prompting it to secrete layers of nacre that gradually build a pearl. This same nacre coats the interior of the shell, giving mother of pearl its luminous, layered beauty. Before the advent of plastics, it was widely used for buttons; today, it remains beloved in fine jewelry for its soft iridescence, ranging from silvery gray to luminous white.
Origins: Indian and western Pacific Oceans
MOHs Hardness: 2.5
Care: To clean your mother of pearl jewelry, use warm water and mild soap. When wearing your mother of pearl jewelry, avoid exposure to chemicals, oils, acids, cosmetics, and the like, as they can discolor or ruin the texture of your piece. To clean, use a damp cloth to gently clean the metal but do not clean the ink. Avoid excessive touching and do not get wet. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.

All packages ship fully insured.  

For Domestic (US): 

We offer free shipping on orders over $300 and ship either via USPS or FedEx, depending on the size of the order. You can opt to pay for a faster shipping method at checkout. A signature is required at delivery. 

For International: 

We ship via DHL and, when possible, with a signature requirement. We are only able to ship to a limited number of countries. International customers are required to pay for all shipping and customs costs. 

For more information, please visit our Shipping page.

Paying in Installments

We have partnered with several independent financing companies to provide you with more flexibility and options.

At check out, select either ‘Shop Pay Installments’, ‘Klarna‘, or ‘Afterpay‘ as your payment method to go through the application process. If your application is approved, these companies will allow you to pay in installments. To learn more about their terms and conditions, please visit their respective websites.

Once you check out with one of these independent financing companies, we will process your order as normal and send the jewelry you ordered when ready. You will continue to work directly with your financing company to make your installment payments. Please note these financing companies are separate from Hannah Blount Jewelry. As a result, we are not responsible for their actions or services.

Note: Depending on your geographic location and total amount due at check-out, only some of these independent financing companies may offer financing services to you.

THE GEMSTONE

Mother of Pearl (scrimshaw)

protection, prosperity, intuition
anniversary: 1st

Illustration by Abi Kramer

drawing of mother of pearl
Collection of various scrimshaw necklaces and earrings on a dark background

THE ANATOMY OF SCRIMSHAW

Scrimshaw is the art of hand-engraving and inking illustrations into shells, turquoise, gemstones, and other natural materials. Each design is meticulously hand-drawn by Hannah with a sharp scribe, scratched into the surface before ink is applied. When the piece is polished, it leaves pigment only within the etched lines. Layer by layer, hour by hour, the illustration builds depth and detail, transforming a historic technique into wearable art.

Dating back to 18th-century whalers, scrimshanders of yore passed long nights at sea by carving into cast-offs from their catch, using soot from oil lamps as ink. The longing that inspired these salty sailors, as each night of their long voyage passed, evolved into beautiful art that captured the romance of their yearning.

Set in solid silver or gold, these pieces balance delicate illustrations with durable construction, resulting in truly one-of-a-kind jewelry. Some are framed like miniature works of art, while others are suspended from simple bails for a more effortless, wearable feel.

In this modern interpretation of scrimshaw, Hannah uses India ink to hand-scribe each illustration into turquoise, shell, and other such natural materials. Inspired by Nantucket, a place long associated with this historic technique, her freehand illustrations commemorate nautical scenes from the ocean: a contemporary, artistic perspective to fine jewelry.

Each design captures ocean-inspired imagery, from nautical scenes and sailors’ stories to marine life, transforming illustration into narrative. These pieces act as wearable talismans, connecting past and present through storytelling, memory, and a deep connection to the sea.

This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.
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Anonymous
Exquisite design with a moody gem

I truly adore Hannah Blount's designs. The setting of this creation is exquisite and the barnacles are perfect. This aquamarine is a moody gem and seems to transform from day to day much like weather changing from stormy and cloudy to fresher skies. This is my 5th piece from the studio as these handcrafted treasures are too irresistible.

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Anonymous
It's a beautiful piece! I love Hannah's drawings

It's a beautiful piece! I love Hannah's drawings. I would prefer a gold bezel around this piece w a silver backing and chain... but it works really well without the bezel too. IF the drawing itself was a little bigger that would be awesome! I look forward to future pieces!

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Krisztina D.
Hanna’s magic strikes again

Hanna’s magic strikes again. The scrimshaw pieces have always intrigued me but wanted to wait for something that matches my style. This sweet sea nettle is a testimony to Hanna’s steady hand and it’s a lovely day to day piece. I have not taken it off once.

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Liza B.
I can't stop staring at this ring!

I received my gorgeous ring two weeks ago, and it is absolutely stunning. The stone is dazzling and captivating – it changes color in different light – I've never seen anything like it. I deeply appreciate the artistry of the setting – the hallmark of a true craftswoman. Thank you!

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Jill
Beautiful Craftsmanship

This ring is absolutely breathtaking with the soft brushed gold nestled next to the vibrant green tourmaline. I can’t keep my eye off this bold statement piece yet it’s refined for everyday wear. I’m in love with my ring, it’s not just jewelry-it’s a piece of art.

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Kelly C.
Never leaving my finger...

I cannot express how happy I am to get to wear this piece of art every day! Every detail of this ring is perfection. The Montana sapphire is normally a moody greenish-gray but can appear a lighter green or even a shade of blue in different lighting. The white gold barnacles add just the right amount of asymmetrical interest without overpowering the beauty of the stone or the simplistic outline of the design. The craftsmanship is stunning, and no detail was overlooked in it's creation. I'm thrilled with my Ruthie B. Barnacle ring! 😀

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Michele G.
I absolutely love my ring

I absolutely love my ring. I chose it because of the unique arrangement of the barnacles. It’s even prettier in person than it was in photos. I cannot wait to choose another to add to my collection.

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Donna T.
Blown away -off the mountain and out to sea.

So funny I was just taking pictures of this beautiful ring. I am blown away. At 62 I think it’s the most beautiful piece of jewelry I’ve ever owned mind you, I have never been a tennis bracelet or classic pearl necklace girl but if you love the mountains in the sea, this is the, this is the ring for you. I can’t wait to invest in my next piece of Hannah Blount jewelry that I will surely be passing down to my daughter.

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Brenda D.
Gorgeous opal ring

The black opal ring is gorgeous. The opal is mesmerizing and the setting is perfect, unique and delicate. I can’t stop looking at it.

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Elena R.
This ring is perfect! So beautiful

This ring is perfect! So beautiful. Even more stunning in person than in photos.

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Christine L.P.
Beautiful and artistic look with great patina

I really love them 💕

The one thing I am working on is to try to make the ear wires longer and thus easier to use (for me).

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Christine V.
Ooh La La

Ooh, La La! The sparkle from this ring is incredible. Absolutely stunning!

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Siobhan

Absolutely gorgeous as usual.

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Caron P.
Beautiful piece of Kazakhstan turquoise!! I look

Beautiful piece of Kazakhstan turquoise!! I look forward to wearing it often!

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Elizabeth B.
Heirloom scrimshaw

I absolutely LOVE my scrimshaw mother of pearl mermaid made by Hannah! I am always looking for unique pieces, and this feels luxurious and from another time. The detail is exquisite. I had excellent communication from the team. Shipping was fast and secure. I highly recommend purchasing from this jeweler, especially if you want an heirloom quality piece. I feel special every time I wear my mermaid!

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Kerry C.
This necklace is aptly named 'enchanted'

This necklace is aptly named 'enchanted.' Hannah has a unique gift in her ability to 'read' each stone's unique attributes, and dialogue with her materials accordingly. When I wear this, I morph into a miniature mermaid, with this as my pool. Amazing craftswomanship.

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Leslie W.
These earrings are more spectacular in person

These earrings are more spectacular in person. I have been a customer of Hanna for more than 10 years. I feel honor to be an owner of jewelry when she was just get started. When I want something special or unusual I turn to Hanna first.

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Anonymous
Unbelievable depth in this stone

Unbelievable depth in this stone. I’ve never seen a ring with such stunning detail. My fiancée was so happy with this ring. The communication from Hannah’s team was unparalleled. Thank you thank you thank you!

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Cailin D.
Absolutely stunning and get so many compliments

Absolutely stunning and get so many compliments on it! only issue is I am a lot less productive at work because I get so distracted by how beautiful it is!

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Megan V.
I love this ring! It’s a beautiful color and fits perfectly

I love this ring! It’s a beautiful color and fits perfectly. Working with the Hannah Blount team was really easy. I was moving and they went to lengths to ensure I got my ring before I left. Even rushing the shipping. I can’t speak highly enough of the team and their kindness. Thank you so much!

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Megan V.
This ring is gorgeous! Love the color and the

This ring is gorgeous! Love the color and the craftsmanship!!

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Galina K.
Green Anjou Tourmaline Vanity Necklace

Absolutely perfect, beautiful color , unique and exactly what I wanted. Packaged well and shipped fast. Thank you!!

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Logan W.
Treasure from the Sea!

Setting eyes on this ring felt like discovering a treasure - something lost and magical that steals your attention when you glimpse it - both uniquely creative and eminently practical to actually wear… I loved it when I saw it and she loved it even more.

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Sarah H.
Fossilized wood opal necklace

This is one of the most gorgeous necklaces I've ever purchased! The stone made by nature then beautifully enhanced by Hannah with her unique style is perfection.

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Galina K.
Looks nice and elegant

Looks nice and elegant.Opal is small, will be a good gift for young woman but not appropriate for older woman. So my granddaughter was happy!

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Anonymous
Just beautiful!

This necklace is perfect on its own and looks great layered with other necklaces…it’s beautifully made and is something that I’ll have forever. I just love it.

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Nagesh M.
Aquatic Beauty!

Hannah's detailed scrimshaw on a beautiful turquoise substrate is a stunner!