Pronounced, PA-DUKE, you'll find it in India, Indochina, the South Pacific, West Africa, and even southern Florida. Padauk has a very unique reddish orange coloration, and is sometimes referred to by the name Vermilion. A favorite of royalty through history, King Solomon chose Padauk for the pillars in his temples in the 10th century BC. Thousands of years later, monarchs in Europe used it for everything from Empire furniture to cups and chalices. In the early 20th century the Pullman Company used Padauk as paneling in their Pullman cars. Each pair is finished with a high gloss epoxy resin that provides a jewel like luster while adding strength and stability to the wood. Approximately 1 5/8 inches long and 1 inch wide. Comes with stainless surgical steel hooks with gold accents and heavy duty backings. Photo's are representative. Due to variations in the coloring and grain, each piece of wood is unique. As a result, your earrings will truly be one of a kind.