About Coquina Dance

Handmade Jewelry from Port Aransas, TX

Hey there! I’m Annette.

I make jewelry that captures the beauty of island life — right here on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Every piece is handcrafted in my Port Aransas studio. While the beach is my backyard, my designs draw inspiration from nature in all its forms — coastal, Southwestern, botanical and beyond.

Booth setup at Market Days in Corpus ChristiHow It All Started

After retiring, I moved to this beautiful island town and decided to turn my love of jewelry making into something more. I wanted to create pieces that were well-made, unique, and actually affordable — the kind of jewelry I’d want to wear every day.

I’ve spent years training with top designers, learning techniques from delicate beadwork to wire wrapping to metalsmithing. But the real education? That comes from 12+ years of selling at local markets and festivals, where I get to see the joy on someone’s face when they find that piece.

What Makes Coquina Dance Different

Each piece is made by hand, one at a time, with attention to every tiny detail. I don’t follow trends or mass-produce anything. 

Some of my jewelry is waterproof (because, beach life). Some incorporates genuine sea glass and shells I’ve collected from our shores. And my handstitched beadwork? Those tiny turtles, fish, and fringe earrings take hours to create — but they’re worth it when I hear “I’ve never seen anything like this!”

Quality You Can Trust

 I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to the details. (Okay, more than a bit.)

One of those details? I coat all my copper earwires, brass charms, and select sterling silver components with ProtectaClear — a professional-grade protective finish used by jewelers and metalsmiths.

What does this mean for you?

  • No tarnishing. Your jewelry stays bright and beautiful, even in our humid coastal climate.
  • Hypoallergenic. The protective coating creates a barrier between the metal and your skin, so copper won’t turn your ears green and brass won’t cause irritation. Safe for sensitive skin.
  • Long-lasting shine. Metals maintain their original finish without constant polishing.

This extra step takes more time (and let’s be honest, it’s a little tedious). But it means you get jewelry that’s built to last and looks freshly made every time you wear it.

Because if I’m going to spend hours handstitching 1,008 beads into a pair of earrings, you better believe I’m going to make sure the earwires don’t tarnish. 

Why “Coquina Dance”?

Coquinas are my favorite shells. These tiny, colorful clams bury themselves just under the sand at the water’s edge. When a wave pulls back and uncovers them, they do this little dance as they wiggle back down into the sand.

It’s mesmerizing. It’s joyful. It’s pure island magic.

Next time you walk along the beach, look for them. Then you’ll understand why I’ve been fascinated by these little dancers for as long as I can remember. 

Giving Back to Port Aransas

This community has given me so much, and I love giving back. When I’m not making jewelry, you’ll find me volunteering for local nonprofits. I designed and maintain the websites for the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association and the Wooden Boat Festival. Supporting local isn’t just a tagline for me — it’s how I live.

Let’s Connect

Whether you’re a local, a Winter Texan, or a visitor who fell in love with our island, I’m so glad you’re here. I hope my jewelry brings you as much joy as it brings me to create it.

And if you’re ever in Port Aransas, come say hi! I offer free hand delivery in town because I love meeting my customers in person.

Warmest regards,
Annette Berksan
Maker, Designer, Island Lover