Natural Freshwater Pearl And Abalone Sterling Silver Necklace

Natural Freshwater Pearl And Mosaic Abalone Sterling Silver Necklace

Approximately 18 inches

Natural freshwater pearls are rare organic gems formed inside freshwater mussels without human intervention making them higher in value. They are formed when an irritant gets into the shell of the oyster or other mollusc, it begins to coat it with many layers of a pearly substance called nacre, eventually creating a lustrous pearl. The irritant in the shell grows to form a pearl sac in which the mother of pearl (nacre) is deposited layer upon layer until a pearl is formed. The longer the molluscs are left alone, the larger the pearl will grow. A freshwater mussel can create up to 50 cultured pearls at a time.

Mosaic abalone refers to a decorative technique where small, shattered fragments of iridescent abalone (or pāua) shell are pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle or patchwork quilt and sealed onto a base material to create a shimmering, multicolored surface

Artisans hand place and glue these fragments onto a backing such as metal, resin, or a rounded wooden/acrylic bead.

A clear resin or sealant is typically applied over the top to protect the fragile shell pieces and create a smooth, glossy finish

This Mosaic Abalone is a large bead and it has the design all around it, making the necklace reversible.