Abalone – Treasure from the Sea

If you’re no stranger to fine jewelry, you’ve probably seen a classic strand of pearls or a beautiful watch with a mother-of-pearl dial, but have you come across a piece featuring abalone?

You may already know that mother-of-pearl is derived from the nacre of mollusks (the highly iridescent inner layer of the shell). Abalone is actually a specific type of mother-of-pearl, derived solely from the group of sea snails known commonly by the same name.

While other mollusks typically produce a milky nacre, abalone snails produce a darker material with more dramatic colors. These snails are found in seas around the world, including off the coast of California! Sadly, many of these snails are facing extinction in the wild, but abalone farming is helping to combat this risk. For this reason, abalone is rarer and typically more valuable than regular mother-of-pearl.

One of the really cool things about abalone is the way light affects its appearance. Check out the difference in the image above–direct light brings out a bright rainbow of color, while indirect light reveals rich purples and greens. 

If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind piece, look no further than abalone. Every single abalone shell produces a unique iridescent pattern, making it a perfect decorative element on everything from guitars and knives to jewelry and watches. 

We carry unique pieces featuring abalone at both stores!