Materials & Meaning

Dentalium Shell

Dentalium shells are long, tooth- or tusk-shaped shells from a mollusk belonging to the Dentaliidae family. Indigenous peoples along the North American Pacific Coast traditionally harvested dentalium and traded them across many Nations.

The earliest dentalium trade is estimated to date back to around 1000–1 BCE. As trade routes expanded between coastal and inland communities, dentalium shells became widely valued and eventually evolved into a form of currency because of their rarity and beauty.

Dentalium has been used by many Nations across North America, including Cree, Lakota, Dakota, and other Plains and Coastal Nations, where they were incorporated into regalia, ceremonial items, jewelry, and elaborate adornments. Throughout history, dentalium jewelry has been highly valued and often recognized as a symbol of status, wealth, and cultural identity.

Today, dentalium shells continue to hold deep cultural and artistic significance.
At Bear’s Essence, we incorporate authentic dentalium shells into many of our designs to honour tradition while creating contemporary Indigenous jewelry.

Abalone Shell

Abalone shell and mother of pearl are natural shells known for their beautiful iridescent shine and soft rainbow tones. In many Indigenous cultures, these shells are regarded as powerful and meaningful natural materials.

They are often associated with water, protection, and spiritual connection, and are used in jewelry, ceremonial items, and traditional art. The natural colours and reflective surface of these shells symbolize balance, strength, and the beauty of nature.

At Bear’s Essence, we incorporate abalone and mother of pearl into many of our designs to highlight the natural elegance of these shells while honouring their cultural significance.