18k Gold Leaf Mink Skull Necklace

This American Mink skull was a wild salvage find in Big Bear, CA. The skull (no lower jaw) is undamaged and has all its teeth. I have beetle cleaned, degreased, sterilized and dried it using traditional taxidermy methods and my captive dermestid beetle colony.

The 3+ inch skull has been completely covered in a solid layer of hand-applied 18k gold liquid leaf. The resulting deep metallic shine of real gold is gorgeous, and reflects natural light as only gold can do.

On the left side of the skull I've applied a serious of swirling black enamel dots and black 'mini pearls' (rounded 1 1/2 mm glass beads with flat backs) that follow the natural shape of the skull. The canine teeth are also enameled in glossy black to play off the black dot swirls; the black on gold contrast is lovely and unique. The other side of the skull is bare (save for the gold leaf, of course.)

Twin dark copper chains are drilled into the side of the skull and run through links attached to the orbital (eye) sockets to dangle along side the skull. On the end of each chain is an antique brass link, and on each of those two links is a black cassiterite gemstone chip and a pair of real 14k gold 2mm beads.

The skull hangs on a 20 inch lobster clasp dark copper chain (same as the chains that decorate the skull itself) which is nickel free.

*Optional: I was going to add a small black feather accent to hang off the skull's crown with another gold bead (wired to the link where the necklace chain runs through) but I have decided to leave that up to the buyer's tastes. I will add the small black starling feather with 14k bead if the buyers wishes it, no extra charge.

For an additional $14 I will make you a pair of dangle earrings designed to match this necklace. The earrings will each have a gold-leafed coyote tooth (each tooth marked with the same black enamel dots as the skull) matching copper chains, a few more 14k gold beads and perhaps some tiny black starling feathers.

USA sales only. All wildlife laws apply.

Available below (along with additional photos)

www.etsy.com/listing/211172010…