Śuktikaparda | शुक्तिकपर्द

Śukti (शुक्ति) — bivalve shell / the scallop shell | Kaparda (कपर्द) — cowrie shell / the auspicious shell of Vedic ritual and ancient Indian currency | Pronounced: shook-ti-KA-par-da

A handcrafted demi-fine drop earring pair — a real natural scallop shell bezel-set in 22k Gold Plated suspended above a real natural cowrie shell bezel-set drop, hung on gold fish-hook ear wires. Real natural shells throughout; no two pairs are identical.

The Design

Śuktikaparda — meaning “Scallop and Cowrie” — pairs two of the most culturally resonant shells in the natural world on a single ear wire. The upper element is a real fan-ribbed scallop shell, cream-white with the characteristic radiating ridges of the bivalve running from the hinge outward, enclosed in a plain 22k Gold Plated bezel that follows its natural outline. Below it, suspended on a small gold jump ring, a real cowrie shell — smooth, oval, white with a faint blue-grey iridescence on its domed face — also bezel-set in gold, its pointed oval form tapering to a clean tip. The two shells hang in sequence: the broad fan of the scallop above, the compact oval of the cowrie below, the gold bezels linking them into a coherent drop that moves naturally with the ear.

In India, the cowrie — kaparda — has been a sacred object for millennia: used as currency, worn as protection, offered in ritual. The scallop carries its own cross-cultural weight as a symbol of Venus, pilgrimage, and the sea. Worn together on a single ear wire, as shown in the editorial photograph, they read simultaneously as coastal, ceremonial, and entirely contemporary — a piece that belongs equally at a beach wedding, a summer market, or a resort dinner.

Craft & Material

Śuktikaparda is assembled entirely in India by skilled karigars. Both the scallop and cowrie shells are real natural shells — uncarved, uncoloured, in their natural state — selected for completeness of form and evenness of tone. The bezels, jump ring connectors, and fish-hook ear wires are made in high-quality brass alloy — anti-allergic and skin-friendly — and finished in 22k Gold Plated. The plated finish is sealed with a protective e-coating for tarnish and wear resistance. Because each shell is a natural object, no two pairs are identical — variations in shell tone, size, ribbing pattern, and surface iridescence are inherent to the material and are not defects.

Why It Sells

The two-shell drop format — scallop over cowrie — is a strong commercial proposition: it offers significantly more visual presence than a single-shell earring at a modest increase in production cost, making it the better-value SKU for wholesale buyers seeking statement pieces. The cowrie shell is one of the most globally recognised natural jewellery elements, with deep roots in African, South Asian, and coastal fashion markets — its inclusion broadens the earring’s appeal well beyond the scallop-only buyer. The fish-hook drop format is the most commercially versatile earring construction — it suits both casual and formal wear, is universally flattering, and pairs naturally with the Śvetavarṇa scallop shell pendant for a complete coastal set. The all-natural shell positioning — no synthetic materials, no resin fill, no artificial colouring — commands a premium in the artisan and eco-conscious wholesale segments. Four finish options extend reach across multiple consumer segments and price points.

Craft & Construction

• Base Metal: High-quality brass alloy — anti-allergic and skin-friendly (bezels, connectors, and ear wires)
• Upper Shell: Real natural scallop shell — cream-white, fan-ribbed, bezel-wrapped in 22k Gold Plated
• Lower Shell: Real natural cowrie shell — smooth oval, white with blue-grey iridescence, bezel-wrapped in 22k Gold Plated
• Connector: Small gold jump ring linking upper and lower shell elements
• Ear Wire: Gold fish-hook / shepherd’s hook — standard fitting
• Plating: Thick-layer electroplating — 22k Gold Plated (as photographed)
• Finish: Warm polished 22k Gold Plated on all metal elements
• Protective Coating: E-coating applied over plating for tarnish and wear resistance
• Sold as: Pair

Product Specifications

Available Finishes

• 22k Gold Plated (as photographed)
• 925 Silver Plated
• Rose Gold Plated
• Black Rhodium Plated

All variants share the same natural scallop and cowrie shells; metal elements — bezels, connectors, and ear wires — are plated in the selected finish.

Wholesale Supply

Śuktikaparda is manufactured and supplied factory-direct from India, enabling consistent quality control, competitive wholesale pricing, and reliable lead times. Low minimum order quantities are available for new trade partners; repeat supply arrangements for established accounts. Contact Narmae for current MOQ and lead time terms.

Care Instructions

• Avoid contact with perfume, deodorant, body spray, cosmetics, sanitiser, and household chemicals.
• Remove before bathing, swimming, sauna, gym activity, or sleeping — natural shells are sensitive to prolonged water exposure.
• Wipe gently with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth after each wear.
• Store individually in an airtight pouch or soft-lined jewellery box. Do not stack.
• Keep away from abrasive surfaces, direct sunlight, and high humidity — natural shell can fade or dry out with prolonged UV or humidity exposure.
• Handle with care to preserve the natural shell surfaces and protective e-coating on all metal elements.
• Store with an anti-tarnish strip in a cool, dry place for long-term preservation.