the beauty of transfromable jewellery by Essemgé - with the Margaret 2in1 Long earrings

Behind the Shell: The Story of a Transformable Design

Welcome to another instalment of my Saturday Jewellery Rendez-Vous. This week, I am taking you behind the scenes of the Margaret 2in1 long earrings,…

Welcome to another instalment of my Saturday Jewellery Rendez-Vous. This week, I am taking you behind the scenes of the Margaret 2in1 long earrings, one of the signature designs from my Sea Breeze collection — inspired by the soft colours and textures of Normandie, my beloved home region in northwest France.

These earrings may look delicate and effortless, but they hold a story of patient craftsmanship, meaningful inspiration, and thoughtful design. And most excitingly? They are transformable — giving you two different looks in one piece of jewellery.

From Beachcombing to Bench: The Journey of a Shell

Every piece in the Sea Breeze collection starts with a personal ritual: beachcombing the Normandie coastline and choosing shells that catch my eye.

For the Margaret earrings, it all began with a tiny shell, carefully selected and left untouched. I don’t modify the natural shape — instead, I honour what nature has given me and preserve it exactly as I found it. That shell becomes the foundation of a new design.

The Art of Casting: Wax, Bronze, and Silver

To preserve the shell in metal, I take an imprint using a silicon mould, which allows me to create a master version in green jeweller’s wax. This wax captures every beautiful detail of the original shell.

Then, using the lost wax casting technique, I first cast the piece in bronze to test the look and check for imperfections. Once I am happy with the result, I create a final production mould that can be used to cast multiple replicas in recycled sterling silver.

Every casting must be cleaned, refined, and perfected — a slow and meticulous process. Even the tiniest flaws in the bronze master would be repeated in all future castings, so I take extra care at every stage.

Nothing Wasted: Reclaiming Every Scrap of Silver

One of the things I take pride in as a maker is my zero-waste approach. Every bit of silver — from the sawn-off sprues (the channels through which metal is poured) to the tiniest dust particles — is collected, saved, and reused in future designs.

It is my way of respecting the materials I work with and keeping the process as sustainable as possible.

The Hidden Beauty of Artisan Jewellery

Even the back of the earrings gets as much love as the front. I use rotary tools and hand-finishing techniques to smooth and perfect every surface, ensuring the finished piece is beautiful from every angle.

This isn’t fast fashion. It is thoughtful, slow jewellery — where nothing is rushed and no corners are cut.

Why Transformable Jewellery Matters

What makes the Margaret earrings special is their 2in1 transformable design:

  • Wear them as elegant studs for a daytime or corporate setting.
  • Or add the cascading shells and pearls for a bold, evening-ready statement.

That little hook you see on the back of the top element? That’s what lets you switch seamlessly between the two.

Why do I love modular and transformable jewellery so much?

Because it gives you:

  • Versatility – Two looks, one investment
  • Smarter packing – Ideal for holidays and travel
  • Day-to-night styling – Change your look in seconds
  • Creative control – Style it your way, whenever you want

For my clients — often successful, independent women who value craftsmanship and timeless elegance — transformable jewellery offers both beauty and practicality.

Bridal-Worthy, Boardroom-Ready

The Margaret earrings are versatile enough for everyday elegance and special occasions alike. They’re light enough to wear all day, and dramatic enough for evening events — even weddings. I can absolutely see them as modern bridal jewellery, especially for someone who wants something unique and personal.

What Sea Breeze Means to Me

The Sea Breeze collection is deeply personal — it reflects the sense of calm, freedom, and inspiration I feel by the sea. Each shell was handpicked with love, and every piece is a little keepsake of that moment.

If you would like to see the full story behind the inspiration for this collection, I recommend going back to last week’s post — where I talk more about childhood memories, the colours of Normandie, and the emotional power of jewellery.

Want to See the Earrings in Motion?

I have created a short video that shows the entire making process — from shell to final design. You will see:

  • The wax carving
  • Bronze master casting
  • Silver sprues being removed
  • Soldering and hand-finishing
  • The clever transformation mechanism in action

Watch it here on my YouTube channel and don’t forget to subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories.

Do You Own Any Transformable Jewellery?

Have you ever thought about modular jewellery before?
Do you like the idea of one piece giving you multiple styling options?
Or does it feel a bit too fiddly?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Your feedback helps me design better, more meaningful pieces — jewellery that fits beautifully into your life.

Key Takeaways

  • Margaret 2in1 earrings are part of my Sea Breeze collection inspired by Normandie
  • Each shell is cast from a real beachcombed shell using the lost wax method
  • The earrings are transformable – wear them as studs or long dangles
  • Every piece is handcrafted in recycled silver, finished to high standards
  • Transformable jewellery offers versatility, sustainability, and investment value

Ready to Discover Your Signature Piece?

If you are looking for jewellery that is beautiful, meaningful, and made with love — you are in the right place.
Explore the Sea Breeze collection and find your own wearable memory.

👉 View the full collection here

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