YOUR Found Object 24kt Gold or Copper Dipped
YOUR Found Object 24kt Gold or Copper Dipped
Have you stumbled across a unique piece of seaglass? Perhaps found a shell that reminds you of the time spent on an exotic trip? Maybe you have a cherished crystal handed down to you. Whatever precious found object you may have, let us create a custom 24kt gold or copper necklace to forever memorialize your piece!
Why choose us? Flotsam & Co. is the original creator and designer of Signature 24kt Gold Dipped Sunrise Shells. We worked and perfected this technique for close to a decade, and know exactly how to handle delicate objects— like shells made of calcium! Electoforming or “gold dipping” is a electro-chemical process in which we allow metal (such as copper or gold) to deposit molecule by molecule onto an object, forever encasing this item in a setting. These metals are not “painted” onto the object, but rather “grown” on the object, which is how we get this very organic permanent setting.
Our “Copper Dipped” (copper electroformed) pieces come complete with a 14kt Rose Gold Fill chain to match. Some people love copper because its surface can patina and age based on an individual’s skin, wear, body ph, and elements. Our customers revel in the fact knowing that the finish of their copper piece is unique only to them (the wearer creates the finish.) Others like copper because it brightens up to a shiny new penny by gently buffing it with steel wool or a polishing cloth.
Our “24kt Gold Dipped” (Gold Electroplated) objects take it one step further! On top of this permanent copper form, we grow molecule by molecule, an extremely thick layer of 24kt Gold. Each of these pieces comes complete with a 14kt Gold Fill Chain to complete the necklace.
We can electroform most found objects— feel free to shoot us a message at flotsamandco@gmail.com if you’re unsure or have questions! Once ordering, you’ll be directed on instructions on mailing your piece into our studio. Each of our custom orders takes approximately 1 week for copper orders, 1-2 weeks for 24kt gold orders.
Signature 24kt Shells.
Flotsam & Co. is the original designer of the 24kt gold dipped Sunrise Shell. Many times imitated, never duplicated!
We dive for all of our shells…
And never take any live specimens!
Every piece is handmade
right in our studio. From us, the divers and artists, directly to you.
SUNRISE SHELLS are unique in its original color and stunning detail with natural colors and NEVER stained or painted. These shells are found ONLY in Hawaii and nowhere else in the world, making them an exclusive gift from Hawaiian waters. I dive for these deep water scallops at 100+ feet, collecting dead shells and never taking live specimens. Each shell is meticulously cleaned and wire wrapped in either Sterling Silver or 14kt gold fill. When you ordered, you will pick your own shell from the vast selection of shells currently in the collection-- each one independently one of a kind.
Oftentimes referred to as "Hawaii's Diamonds" these shells are truly part of Hawaiian culture and history. Hawaiian legend suggests that Sunrise Shells were the exclusive property of the Hawaiian royal families and that 'commoners' were not allowed to keep or wear them, but were instead ordered to search for the shells for the Chiefs and their families. These beautiful shells were thought to be sacred and to bestow special blessings to the wearer, of which only the Hawaiian Kings and Queens, Princes and Princesses were worthy.
When you choose a sunrise shell from Flotsam & Co, you are not only buying from the artist but the diver as well.