What Is Abalone Shell?
Abalone is a large sea snail whose shell is lined with one of the most colourful materials in nature. The inside of an abalone shell shimmers with blues, greens, pinks and gold, and that rainbow lining is what we use to make our abalone shell jewellery.
In this guide we explain what abalone is, where it comes from, why it shimmers, what abalone means, and how we turn it into jewellery you'll treasure.
What is abalone?
Abalone is a marine snail (a gastropod mollusc) that lives clinging to rocks along cool, clean coastlines. The species found around our own shores is known in the Channel Islands as the ormer, a name that comes from the old French for "ear of the sea". In France it is the ormeau, and on the continent it has long been called "Venus' ear", because its flattened, curving shell looks a little like a human ear. Look closely and you'll see a neat row of small holes along one edge. The snail uses these to breathe.
The animal itself is prized as a luxury seafood. The shell's inner lining, a type of mother of pearl (also called nacre), has been used for decoration and jewellery for thousands of years.
Where does abalone shell come from?
Abalone grows in cool coastal waters around New Zealand (where it is called paua), South Africa, Australia and the west coast of North America, and much closer to home in Guernsey, where gathering ormers at low tide is a much-loved island tradition.
Its popularity has come at a cost. Overfishing has pushed some abalone species to the edge of extinction, so harvesting is now tightly regulated almost everywhere it is found. In Guernsey, ormering is only allowed on a handful of days each year.
Why does abalone shell shimmer?
Turn a piece of abalone shell in your hand and the colours seem to move. The shell is built from thousands of microscopic layers of a mineral called aragonite. As light passes through them it is split and reflected, so the colours change with every angle: deep blues, emerald greens, fiery violets and pinks, with flashes of gold and silver. This effect is called iridescence, and it's why no two pieces of abalone are ever the same.
Abalone meaning and symbolism
Because of its shifting, ocean-coloured shimmer, abalone is often associated with the sea, calm and harmony. The name "Venus' ear" links it to the goddess of love and beauty, and in many coastal cultures abalone shell has long been treasured as a symbol of protection and good fortune.
A shell with a long history
People have treasured abalone shell for thousands of years. In the late 18th century, Spanish traders carried abalone shells from California up the Pacific coast, where Native American peoples valued them so highly that they exchanged precious sea otter furs for them.
Our handmade abalone jewellery
Abalone shells range from a few inches across to around a foot for the largest species, so every piece of abalone jewellery we make is a little different in size, shape and colour. We cut and shape each piece of shell by hand to show off its natural shimmer, then pair it with 14k gold fill so the colours really glow. Every piece arrives in our luxury Sarum Rocks presentation box, ready to give.
Discover A treasure worthy of Venus, A Scattering of Stars earrings, the A Little Starlight earring and our Shining Stars necklace.
Abalone FAQs
Is abalone the same as mother of pearl?
Abalone shell is a type of mother of pearl. Both are made of nacre, but abalone is known for its stronger blues, greens and purples, while classic mother of pearl from pearl oysters is usually creamy white.
How do I care for abalone shell jewellery?
Abalone is softer than gemstones, so put it on after perfume and hairspray, keep it away from water and household chemicals, and store it separately so it can't be scratched. Wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth.
Is every abalone piece unique?
Yes. The colours and patterns in abalone shell are never repeated, so the piece you receive will have its own natural shimmer.
