These begin with tiny golden spiny oyster roses and descend through pale Royston turquoise into deep plum-colored spiny oyster. It’s an entire desert garden arranged vertically—and somehow Sheila made all three colors feel like they were always meant to live together.
Each section is independently linked, giving the earrings a graceful swing without adding unnecessary weight.
Why This Piece Matters
These earrings combine three distinct natural materials and textures within one clean composition. The carved floral tops provide intricate sculptural detail, the elongated Royston cabochons introduce a cool turquoise interval, and the deep purple spiny oyster drops bring richness and visual weight to the bottom.
The color progression is unusual but exceptionally balanced: warm gold, airy blue-green and saturated plum. Because each tier is articulated, the earrings move naturally and catch light across every stone.
Artifact Registry
- Artifact Name: The Desert Rose Drop Earrings
- Artist: Sheila Tso
- Tribe/Origin: Diné (Navajo), Southwest United States
- Materials: Carved golden spiny oyster, Royston turquoise, purple spiny oyster and sterling silver
- Construction: Hand-carved floral tops, hand-set cabochons, handmade bezels and articulated links
- Attachment: Sterling silver posts with butterfly backs
- Length: Approximately 2 inches
- Combined Weight: Approximately 8 grams
- Date: Contemporary
- Collector’s Gallery Value: $425–$550
Curator’s Field Observation
At only eight grams combined, this pair offers an impressive two-inch drop without becoming cumbersome. The three articulated sections allow movement while keeping the earrings vertically controlled.
The carved rose studs are especially thoughtful. They make the earrings interesting at the ear rather than treating the post as merely functional, and they create a softer transition into the bold stones below.
Eric’s Notes from the Field
Sheila apparently looked at the entire Southwest color palette and said, “Yes, I’ll take all of it.” 😂
The tiny carved roses are what make these for me. Then you get that pale Royston turquoise moment, followed by these gloriously moody purple drops. They’re romantic, strange and wildly flattering—the jewelry equivalent of wandering into a desert garden after dark.
These begin with tiny golden spiny oyster roses and descend through pale Royston turquoise into deep plum-colored spiny oyster. It’s an entire desert garden arranged vertically—and somehow Sheila made all three colors feel like they were always meant to live together.
Each section is independently linked, giving the earrings a graceful swing without adding unnecessary weight.
Why This Piece Matters
These earrings combine three distinct natural materials and textures within one clean composition. The carved floral tops provide intricate sculptural detail, the elongated Royston cabochons introduce a cool turquoise interval, and the deep purple spiny oyster drops bring richness and visual weight to the bottom.
The color progression is unusual but exceptionally balanced: warm gold, airy blue-green and saturated plum. Because each tier is articulated, the earrings move naturally and catch light across every stone.
Artifact Registry
- Artifact Name: The Desert Rose Drop Earrings
- Artist: Sheila Tso
- Tribe/Origin: Diné (Navajo), Southwest United States
- Materials: Carved golden spiny oyster, Royston turquoise, purple spiny oyster and sterling silver
- Construction: Hand-carved floral tops, hand-set cabochons, handmade bezels and articulated links
- Attachment: Sterling silver posts with butterfly backs
- Length: Approximately 2 inches
- Combined Weight: Approximately 8 grams
- Date: Contemporary
- Collector’s Gallery Value: $425–$550
Curator’s Field Observation
At only eight grams combined, this pair offers an impressive two-inch drop without becoming cumbersome. The three articulated sections allow movement while keeping the earrings vertically controlled.
The carved rose studs are especially thoughtful. They make the earrings interesting at the ear rather than treating the post as merely functional, and they create a softer transition into the bold stones below.
Eric’s Notes from the Field
Sheila apparently looked at the entire Southwest color palette and said, “Yes, I’ll take all of it.” 😂
The tiny carved roses are what make these for me. Then you get that pale Royston turquoise moment, followed by these gloriously moody purple drops. They’re romantic, strange and wildly flattering—the jewelry equivalent of wandering into a desert garden after dark.
