I recently learned about a fascinating cultural-object-turned-jewelry-component that you may want to try incorporating into your designs.

During the 18th to mid-19th centuries, handmade Chinese trade goods were all the rage in Europe, especially mother-of-pearl gambling chips. These chips were made by engraving the inside of oyster shells with images of animals, villagers, or geometric patterns. The English aristocracy used the chips to track bets in whist, piquet, and quadrille.

Several jewelry designers have taken to using the chips in jewelry, often as earring dangles, necklace pendants, or bracelet focals. If you can get your hands on some of these chips, you may want to check out the designs by Donna Chambers and Timeless Gem Designs for inspiration.