Chamorro jewelry designer Ed Villanueva
Thousands of years ago on the island of Guam, the ancient Chamorro people wore necklaces called ålas and salape, made of seashell and tortoiseshell, to indicate wealth and prestige. Today, it is possible to purchase re-creations of these millennia-old treasures, thanks to local artisans who are revitalizing the craft.
Ed and Lani Villanueva are two such artisans, and through their company, E&L Creations, they sell beautiful, handcrafted pieces made of local shells, stones, and coral.
“Now there are a lot of people into our culture,” says Ed. “We’re making it affordable for both locals and visitors.”
One of their specialties is jewelry made from purple and orange spondylus, a rare shell from the thorny oyster that has been found in ancient relics from places as diverse as Neolithic Europe, the Pre-Columbian Andes, and the Western Pacific. Their most expensive piece is an orange spondylus necklace (pictured), which goes for $2,000. They also utilize conch shell, white hina (giant clam, or Tridacna gigas), golden cowrie, blue coral, green river stone, basalt volcanic stone, and imported bone bone beads in their pieces.
Chamorro jewelry made from purple and orange spondylus
Chamorro jewelry made from purple and orange spondylus
Ed and Lani obtain their materials the traditional way — by beachcombing and riverbed-trolling, or by bartering and trading for specific pieces. They sell their wares at local markets around the island, and they also make custom pieces.
“All of our items are priceless,” Ed says. “You are just paying for the labor and tools we need.”
Contact them at edandlani@yahoo.com, or at +1-671-788-9053.
