Fractal geometry was devised to help describe the structure of real world objects such as clouds, mountains and complex biological systems. In contrast, traditional geometry focuses on ideal forms such as points, lines, planes, cubes, circles and spheres.

Benoit Mandelbrot, considered by many to be the father of fractal geometry, observed that Clouds are not spheres, mountains are not cones, coastlines are not circles, and bark is not smooth, nor does lightning travel in a straight line.

One of the features of a fractal image is that the pattern repeats itself as you zoom further into the image. This self-similarity characteristic can be easily observed in objects such as ferns where the leaf pattern repeats itself throughout the fern structure. Other examples include snowflakes, the human lung, and broccoli.

A fractal image can be described easily through mathematics. In fact the equation or recipe for a fractal image is far simpler to store than the image itself. Fractal artists take advantage of this fact by altering only a small number of parameters such as colour gradient and zoom factor to produce an endless number of organic and crystalline designs.

Our ocean shell range is laser cut from laminates made from Abalone; a shell fish prized for its meat as well as its beautiful shell.

Abalone is a popular name for a mollusk of the genus Haliotis, members of which are also called ear shells, or sea ears, as their shape resembles the human ear. The shell provides a roof like covering for the Abalone and is perforated by a row of holes on one side through which the animal respires.

The iridescent internal layer of the mollusk shell is known as Nacre or Mother-of-pearl. The most colourful Abalone is found in the waters around New Zealand and is known as Paua, from the Maori language.

Other names for Abalone include Ormer (Guernsey), Mutton Fish (Australia and early NZ) and Awabi (Japan).

The shell used in our jewellery originates from either the Australian pearl farming or quota restricted New Zealand and South Pacific Islands fishing industries. This ensures an ecologically sustainable supply of such product in the future.

The shell has been handmade to the highest standard, using the finest gem quality shell and marine grade polyurethane lacquer.

The appearance of the actual product will vary depending on the angle at which it is viewed. This interplay between light and colour is what makes the shell so unique.

So you can't think of what to give your partner, relative or friend for a gift. What about jewellery with an image of the family pet or a loved one?

Imagine that on Father's Day dad receives a set of cufflinks from Pooch the dog with a note saying "Thanks for being a great dad". Of course everyone knows that Pooch is not capable of creating a set of cufflinks but remember, we're playing "let's pretend"!

By extending this idea, many unique gifts can be created. Another example could be a pendant gift to mum with an image of the newborn recently arrived into her life or two starry eyed lovers exchanging bracelets with images of themselves.

All we need is a digital image emailed to us. Around 1-2 MB is fine. Make sure the pet or person is centred and not too close to the edges of the photograph. We will scale and crop the image appropriate to the frame shape.

We can also scan photographs if you don't have a digital camera.

Any of our frame shapes can be used to accommodate a custom graphic. The graphic does not need to be restricted to pets or people. Symbols, landscapes, abstract art etc can be used provided that the image doesn't violate copyright laws.

Images are printed on a water proof photographic film that is laser cut and then coated with a scratch resistant resin.