Sea Urchins: exotic creature inspires new bracelet design

February 11, 2017

With Island Cove Beads & Gallery perched on the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico, it's no wonder the owners, designers, and artists draw inspiration from the sea. One of the most popular jewelry-design classes offered at The Cove is the "Sea Urchin bracelet." It's organic shape catches the eye and feels great on the wrist.

What's a Sea Urchin?

Sea urchins are members of the Echinodermata marine phylum, comprised of sea stars, sea lillies, brittle stars, sea urchins and sea cucumbers.
They can be found in all climates, from the warmest seas to freezing polar seas.
- 512 species have been documented from the Gulf of Mexico, according to Texas A&M University Press (2009)
Sea urchins come in a myriad of colors including black, green, olive, brown, purple, blue, and red.
The name "urchin" is an old word for hedgehog, which sea urchins resemble. Their spines, long and sharp in some species, protect the urchin from predators. However, sea otters, starfish, wolf eels, and triggerfish all hunt and feed on sea urchins.

The Key to Eternal Youth

In this Science Daily article from 2012, scientists at the University of London announced:

Sea urchins are able to change the elasticity of collagen within their bodies, and could hold the key to maintaining a youthful appearance
They have a peptide that is very similar to calcitonin, a hormone that regulates our bones to make sure that they remain strong

Sea Urchin bracelet purple sea urchin

Make a Sea Urchin Bracelet

Want to wear a sea urchin bracelet around your wrist? Sue can teach you how to make your own in any color palette. She uses long magatama and small dagger beads to make this beautiful piece. Check out our Event Calendar to sign up for the Sea Urchin Bracelet class.

Or call Island Cove at 727-510-1657 to book a class that suits your schedule

sea urchin bracelets in a variety of colors

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