She uses freshwater pearls in her necklaces. Freshwater pearls, even though farmed under strictly controlled conditions, are essentially a continously renewable natural resource, a careful collaboration between oyster and man.

All Robin's necklaces are strung on the heaviest multiple metal strand tiger tail which the holes in the beads will accommodate. Most necklaces are finished with sterling silver crab claw clasps. The necklaces are strung at a full opera length of 32".

Any necklace can be shortened to order. Earrings can be made in a variety of styles to match any necklace with a one week turn around.

The shape of the pearl depends upon the shape of the seed individually implanted by hand in the clam. The clams are kept in flat cages or baskets submerged in warm tidal water and are fed continuously. Immediately following implantation of the seed the clam begins to secrete nacre, a substance which continuously coats the seed with successive layers of iridescent color.

Many light colors of pearls are natural, that is they result from what the clam is fed and the temperature of the water in which it is kept. The sheen and color of the pearl is even affected by the time of year in which it is harvested. The harvesting must be done carefully because a new seed is planted as the pearl is removed.

Irradiation & Dark Colored Pearls
Most dark shades or pearls are the result of irradiation. This process involves immersing the pearls in the desired dye color and heating them in a type of micro-wave oven. The resulting color is permanently bonded to the outer layers of the pearl. The pearl retains no radiation from this process and is as safe to wear as micro-waved chicken is to eat.