Thursday, February 4, 2016

Darling Dead Adornment: Review featuring Mummified Baby Tortoise Head Earrings

Once upon a time I saw these earrings for sale in the Darling Dead Adornment shop.  There were only a couple pairs available and I didn't currently have the extra spending money.  Unfortunately they got snatched up pretty quickly and I was bummed, but such is the way with high quality handmade jewelry.  Luckily I knew the owner sometimes recreates popular designs if and when she gets more supplies available.

I patiently waited and eventually saw a post that she would be listing a couple more pairs in the near future.

Soon after, I saw the for-sale announcement on her Tumblr.  I raced to the website as fast as I could since I knew they wouldn't be available for very long.

I got them!


These earrings were my first purchase from Darling Dead Adornment.  The moment they arrived in the mail I was bouncing off the walls with excitement.  To help you understand me a bit better:  I don't tend to purchase things for myself very often and I'm very picky about what I bring into my possession.  I believe I have to absolutely love an item, otherwise I can just appreciate things from afar without the desire to acquire them.  I HAD to own these earrings.  They're truly amazing and even more exquisite in person.

Overall, the best way to describe these drop dead gorgeous earrings is this: Reminiscent of Victorian momento mori designs, these salvaged tiny baby Sulcata tortoise heads were mummified, attached and sealed onto intricate brass teardrops, then hung from brass ear wires.  They do have a little bit of weight to them, but it's a comfortable heavy that just reminds you they're there.  And while they can appear subtle and classy, these earrings are definitely a statement piece that receives a lot of attention every time I wear them.

For those of you who aren't familiar with this artist, she creates pieces using objects found in nature (bones, preserved specimens, insects, crystals) and various other trinkets (antique doll parts, metal stampings, prosthetic eyes).  Each item is OOAK (one of a kind).  Sometimes she will create multiple of a design, but the uniqueness of nature and handmade items means that no one will have the exact same piece as you.  Also, something that needs to be stated since there are many people who like to jump to conclusions: all animal remains used were ethically and legally sourced as well as cruelty free.

Screenshot of the post that made my dreams come true!
Product photo © Darling Dead Adornment
So how was my overall shopping experience?  Amazing.  The Storenvy platform uses Stripe and Paypal to process transactions.  Most people have used one or the other at some point in their online lives, so you already know that it's reliable and quick.  Shipping was very efficient and these little babies arrived safe and sound.  With no hiccups during the whole process, I'd say it was a very smooth transaction that filled me with even more confidence towards this artist.

In the end, it has been a year since I purchased these and they're still one of my favorite pairs of earrings.  This is saying something considering that most of my life I've always preferred silver or gunmetal jewelry.  For some reason, these brass beauties scream my name as if it were meant to be.  Plus, all the compliments I receive give just the right amount of oomph to truly make these earrings a powerhouse accessory that will last a lifetime.  Needless to say, I wish I had more money so I could snatch up more of her wonderful creations.

If you keep an eye on her shop, or her Tumblr and Instagram accounts, perhaps you can snag a pair (or something else equally amazing) and experience just how wonderful these little darlings are.

Store Information and Links

Name: Darling Dead Adornment
Location: Utah, USA
Site: www.DarlingDeadAdornment.com
Tumblr: darlingdeadadornment.tumblr.com and strangeinsugarhouse.tumblr.com
Instagram: instagram.com/darlingdeadadornment and instagram.com/strangeinsugarhouse
Facebook: facebook.com/DarlingDeadAdornment

***No animals were harmed in the making of this jewelry.  These Sulcata tortoise heads were salvaged and turned into wearable art to preserve their natural beauty and celebrate their life.