I found the oyster shell for these earrings while walking along the small beach at the Battery downtown Charleston, SC.  It was such an unusually beautiful and textured shell that I instantly knew it'd be perfect to cast.  All of my cast designs are made by a small foundry located in Portland, OR. 

14kt gold plated shell charm with e-coating (a process that uses an electrical current to deposit transparent abrasion-resistant nano-sized ceramic particles onto the surface of the jewelry, creating a durable protective hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant finish)

14kt gold-filled hooks

*the oyster shell charms are solid brass and gold plated.  I would consider these earrings to be on the heavier side.  I do not recommend purchasing for a person who is bothered by or doesn't prefer to wear "heavy" earrings.