Sydde and I found this Venetian shell bead in a beadshop in Iowa. Immediately he began to tell me his design visions. He found some palest of pale pink satin cuts in the same shop. The other beads used are gold-lined 14s, tiny heishi shell beads, and carved coral tulips I had gotten in Texas several years ago. The clasp continues the theme with it's snail-like shape. The design is evocative of ultimate femininity, and because Sydde designed it, we decided it was the perfect gift for his mother. She is a very active feminist, environmentalist, and humanitarian activist, and we both love and admire her deeply.