Bering Sea Designs - Patina Earrings

We are honored to carry a small batch of Carly's jewelry. Each piece is handcrafted in Juneau, Alaska using sea otter fur. Learn more about her work here. 

"The inspiration: I am inspired by the ocean. My ancestors were ocean going people but, I also grew up commercial fishing in Southeast, Alaska. The ocean is in my blood. It inspires every collection.

The process: Every Sea otter I use is hunted by myself or a family member they are then tanned professionally. From there I stretch the hides and soften them, so they are ready for my pieces which are all hand cut and trimmed by me.

The technique: I use two distinct techniques to create my pieces. The blue coloring you see on the metal is called patina. It's the use of chemicals to speed up the natural oxidation process and giving you a vibrant blue color. I also use my signature technique of hand trimming layers into the fur. All a single piece of hide I delicately trim each layer exposing the silvery tone and velvety texture of the fur."