In novels, films, and documentaries, we often see the hunter or
fisherman keeping a part of what they have caught as a keepsake or talisman—a
simple cord worn around the neck with a shark’s tooth, perhaps, or a pendant
made from a lion’s claw.
It is a tradition almost as old as humanity itself: a message to
those around us, and to generations to come:
Look, I caught this fierce creature. This keepsake is proof of
my story.
A piece of jewelry or a talisman can also reflect a person’s
taste, awareness, and sophistication in the way they use nature’s
resources—coral, pearls, shells, and other natural materials.
Shells and seashells have always been among the materials I love
working with. I find them beautiful and refined. They give me the feeling that
I am a part of nature, rather than simply making nature a part of my life.
A few months ago, I was at a popular market in Alexandria, not
far from the sea. I found the kind of shellfish I love, so I bought a kilo and
placed them in a bowl to wash them.
They were all moving around in the bowl.
Then I noticed one that looked different.
They all had pointed edges, but this one was smooth and swollen.
I picked it up and discovered that the creature inside had two eyes and a tail.
Everyone at home warned me about it.
“Throw it away.”
But I boiled it along with the other shellfish and ate it.
It turned out to be the most delicious shellfish I had ever
tasted in my life.
After cleaning the shell, I noticed that its shape was
different. I kept it for several days, not quite knowing what I wanted to do
with it.
Then my mother sent me a short tutorial video showing how to
turn a shell into a pendant for a necklace.
That gave me an idea.
I decided to turn my shell into a pendant.
I made a set using crystals and natural shells that I had bought
earlier for making jewelry.
In fact, this became the very first jewelry set I ever worked on with AI. I created a background of sand, a beach, and bright sunlight—the environment where this little shell truly belongs, and the setting it naturally deserves.
I was proud of what I had made.
And if fishermen wear jewelry made from what they have caught,
I wore a beautiful jewelry set made from what I had eaten .
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