Eagle Claw and Black Crow Opera Necklace | Heirloom Handcrafted Jewellery
These Eagle Claw and Black Crow Necklaces are unique, rare and exquisite opera-length statement jewellery pieces.
Traditionally crafted using ethically sourced elements of deep black crow shells and delicately prepared eagle talons by Aunty Jeanette James, a celebrated Palawa artist and jeweller working from her home on Flinders Island, Lutrawita (Tasmania).
Strung using patterns passed down between generations of Palawa women, these one-of-a-kind necklaces are an exceptional example of authentic First Nations jewellery, made from sustainably sourced natural elements. A meaningful piece for collectors of Aboriginal art and handcrafted jewellery, and a considered gift for anyone who values cultural authenticity, ethical sourcing and quality of craft.
Aunty Jeanette James is recognised for her exquisite shell and natural-element jewellery, continuing a Palawa cultural practice that has been carried by women on Lutrawita for thousands of years. Each piece reflects hours of gathering, cleaning, preparing and stringing, and carries the knowledge of her own experience and the skills of the women who taught her.
Materials, gathered with respect The eagle claws used in this necklace are respectfully sourced with appropriate permissions, gathered only from birds that have died of natural causes or as a result of accidental encounters with people. No bird is harmed in the making of this piece. The accompanying black crow elements and other natural materials are sustainably collected from Country, and the traditional stringing pattern is the artist's own, drawn from cultural knowledge passed between Palawa women across generations.
Design notes
- Style: Opera-length statement necklace
- Length: Approximately 66cm
- Materials: Eagle claw, black crow elements, natural stringing materials
- Finish: Hand-strung using traditional Palawa techniques
Because every element is gathered from nature and worked by hand, slight variation in size, tone and finish is part of each piece's character. No two necklaces by Aunty Jeanette are alike.
The Australian Museum Shop is proud to represent the work of Aunty Jeanette James and to support the continuation of Palawa shell and natural-element jewellery traditions. Each purchase directly supports First Nations artists working on Country.
Artist: Aunty Jeanette James, Palawa
Origin: Handmade on Flinders Island, Lutrawita (Tasmania)
Lengths:
8-claw necklace, arranged in graded sizes: 645mm length
10-claw necklace, arranged in graded sizes: 680 mm opera length
Delivery costs are calculated at checkout and include the total weight of items within an order.
Orders are posted Mon - Weds. Standard post to Australian addresses will arrive within 5 - 7 working days from dispatch date.
For international delivery, please allow an additional 14 days
We hope you are happy with your purchase(s). But if not, we will exchange or issue a refund provided that the goods are returned in saleable condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
The necklace is handcrafted by Aunty Jeanette James, a respected Palawa artist and jeweller based on Flinders Island, Lutrawita (Tasmania). She is recognised for her shell and natural-element jewellery, continuing a Palawa cultural practice carried by women for thousands of years.
Q2. How are the eagle claws sourced?
The eagle claws are respectfully gathered with appropriate permissions, only from birds that have died of natural causes or as a result of accidental encounters with people. No bird is harmed in the making of this piece.
Q3. How long is the necklace and how is it worn?
Choose from 2 opera-length necklaces measuring approximately 64-68cm. Opera-length pieces typically sit below the collarbone and can be worn as a single strand for a statement look or doubled, depending on the piece.
Q4. Is each necklace identical?
No. Each necklace is hand-strung from natural materials gathered on Country, so slight variation in size, tone, shape and finish is part of each piece's character. This necklace is a one-of-a-kind work.
Q5. Why buy from the Australian Museum Shop?
The Australian Museum Shop represents authentic First Nations artists and ensures purchases support the artist directly. Buying this piece supports Aunty Jeanette James and the cultural continuation of Palawa jewellery making on Lutrawita.
