Abalone Shell, peacock colours for costume jewellery

Abalone shell is a most colourful form of mother of pearl which has become very fashionable in recent years for use in costume  jewellery as its colours are much stronger than mother of pearl from other sources. 

Abalone shell for use in jewellery come in a range of iridescent pearlescent  colours varying from  a silver white through pink and reddish tones. The most popular colours are in Iris or peacock shades of blue, green and purple as show here set into this necklace

Abalone jewellery

Much of the Abalone shell used today comes from New Zealand where it is know as Paua shell. Abalones are also found in Australia, California, South Africa and the Channel Islands.Care of Abalone Jewellery

If possible just lightly rub with a piece of lint free cloth.  The Abalone will be set into another material and you may need to take special care depending on the material it is set into. A damp cloth can be used where necessary. Do not dip Abalone into jewellery cleaner or silver dip. Shell should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic jewellery cleaning machine.