These unusual earrings have a rich story behind their creation and are from Carolyn Barker's 'Orogen' collection. This collection began her explorations in Japanese irogane, a technique that alloys copper with precious metals. The objects are boiled in a niage patina bath to produce a wonderful palette of browns, greys and in this case a rich black.

The name for these earrings, 'Akgwelye', is the Arrernte (central Australian Aboriginal tribe)'s name for the puppies of the wild dogs whose fighting caused the formation of the MacDonnell Ranges. The puppies rest in various places around what is now the town of Alice Springs located in the centre of Australia.

A mix of two wonderful cultures to create one pair of contemporary earrings. Crafted from:

Sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) – white 

Shakudo (6% gold, 94% copper) – black 

Sterling silver ear posts and backs.