All About Abalone Shell Jewelry

Abalones are edible sea snails or molluscs that have either rounded or oval shells that are lined with iridescent nacre or ‘mother of pearl’. The shells can vary in size from small to large and are sometimes known as ‘ear-shells’ due to the shell resembling the shape of a human ear. The colour of the iridescent nacre lining the shell can vary from pale greys, silvers and whites, through pinks, red and oranges to the more widely known deep iridescent greens, blues and purples. The nacre can gleam with sparkling colours and resembles luxuriant, shot-silk glistening in the sun. This iridescent lining is made from alternate layers of conchiolin and calcium carbonate. Different varieties of abalone are found throughout the world, and they are a delicious sea food as well as providing beautiful shell for jewelry and decoration. They are found and are very popular in California, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Channel Islands, and in New Zealand they are known as Paua shell.

It has been used to make jewelry from for many centuries and in many cultures. They do form pearls, but most of the jewelry made from them is produced from the iridescent nacre lining. It is made by cutting out the ‘mother of pearl’ lining and then shaping the pieces to the design that is required. A respirator must be worn if you are working with abalone shells, as the calcium carbonate dust produced while working can get into your lungs and irritate your respiratory system. The smooth, iridescent inner surface needs no grinding, but the rougher exterior can be smoothed off and then both surfaces are polished. Care of this great jewelry is simple, and rubbing the surface with a piece of lint free cloth should be sufficient. Your jewelry should never be put into an ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine, or cleaned with silver dip or chemical jewelry cleaners.

The beautiful, rich iridescent colours of abalone shell look stunning when set in gleaming sterling silver. It can be crafted in to some very distinctive and unique jewelry designs, and makes a wonderful gift if you have a fashion conscious loved one or friend to buy for. You can make a strong fashion statement and be right on trend if you choose a chunky abalone shell pendant set in silver. The pendant can be hung from a short or a long chain, or even on a silver wire or leather thong for a more contemporary look. You can also choose more delicate abalone shell pendants that are matched with pearls, other gemstones or silver marcasite for a more feminine look. If you prefer a necklace to a pendant, you can find abalone shell bead necklaces, or the more dramatic collars and necklaces made from abalone shell tiles or plaques. Most of these pendants or necklaces are in the distinctive kingfisher blue and iridescent greens, but you can also get pink, red, orange, silver or white abalone shell necklaces or pendants to go with that special outfit.

Of course you cannot have a pendant or necklace unless you have the matching earrings! You can buy delicate abalone shell stud earrings, but far more common are the more flamboyant, dangly earrings. These fun earrings can be interspersed with crystals or pearls, and can come in a wide range of colours. You can choose from earrings set in chunky sterling silver, or made from rounded beads or graceful longer earrings. There is a very wide choice of these great earrings available for you to choose from. Abalone shell jewelry is often very reasonably priced for such unique jewelry, so a pair of these earrings makes the perfect Christmas stocking filler or small birthday gift.

Rings

There are some very beautiful and unique abalone shell rings on the market today. If you like a distinctive ring, that makes a definite statement, there are some very unusual and attractive designs to choose from. Large gleaming pieces of abalone shell set in gleaming silver make the perfect ring that everyone will notice and comment on. You can also get very pretty band rings and a wide selection of more delicate rings in Celtic designs and set with abalone.

Bracelets and Bangles

If bracelets and bangles are your favourite jewelry items, you will be pleased to know that there is a wide range of designs set with abalone shell for you to choose from. If you like bead bracelets, there are also some very pretty bracelets available. If you are looking for a more dramatic piece of jewelry, then there are some stunning wide silver bangles set with abalone that will make your eyes light up. For that more elegant look, why not choose a link bracelet set with abalone shell?

So if you are looking for that perfect gift of jewelry or a special piece for yourself, why not choose some abalone shell jewelry? There is jewelry to suit every budget and every taste, and the best thing is that it can be bought very easily online. Amazon has a very wide range of this great jewelry to make your selection from, so why not have a browse today and find the perfect piece for you?

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