Texas artisan Sugar Gay Isber recently launched the "Spoils of the Sea" collection, transforming fossilized shark teeth, some over 100 million years old, into unique jewelry pieces. The collection features gold-plated pendants, professionally chromed and adorned with vintage crystals, creating a fusion of prehistory and contemporary design.
Isber's passion for shark teeth dates back to her childhood, influenced by her dentist father. The first shark tooth she acquired, as a teenager, remains in her possession. Over more than 20 years, she has developed a career dedicated to creating jewelry that evokes archaeological adventures and pirate stories.
To enhance the aesthetic of the pieces, Isber collaborated with a chroming specialist from Rhode Island, known for working with the United States Mint. The specialist's reaction upon receiving the teeth by mail was one of surprise and admiration, resulting in an impressive finish on the jewelry.
Isber's philosophy is clear: fossils should not be kept in dusty display cases, but rather used as accessories that connect the wearer to the history and mystery of the past. The pieces in the "Spoils of the Sea" collection have already been featured in magazines, on red carpets, and even in film productions, including a Netflix movie. However, they are not exclusive to celebrities; divers, brides, and university professors have also adopted these unique jewels.
In addition to her career as a designer, Isber has been teaching jewelry making since 2012 at Austin Community College, has written two books on DIY jewelry, and was recently recognized as one of the top 50 artisans in Texas. She also serves as a creative ambassador for Fire Mountain Gems, continuing to explore the combination of bones, metals, and imagination in her creations.
The "Spoils of the Sea" collection serves as a reminder that beauty can be found in unexpected elements, such as the lost teeth of a prehistoric predator, bringing a tangible connection to the distant past to the present.