Monica Alexander Monica Alexander Donna Williams Carol Lopez Carol Lopez Alice Stevens Alice Stevens Alice Stevens

Wampum earring, wampum and silver ring,
and silver "ear bling" by Alice Stevens

"Wampum" is usually in the shape of beads, but today most people think of wampum as anything made of Quahog shell. This beautiful purple and white shell is only found on the coast of Northeastern United States. It was and still is very valuable because of the labor involved when using it. Though the shell is very hard, heat will shatter it and the dust from the cutting process is poisonous. Therefore, it must be "worked" with water.

Back right: Ear Bling, silver
The Ear Bling is something Alice invented in 2004 for those who wanted to wear more ear jewelry without adding extra holes in their ears.