An Introduction on Shell Pearls

Natural pearls are formed within mollusks or oysters when a foreign substance enters the shell of the mollusk and penetrates through the soft mantle tissue. In response to this the epithelial cells of the mollusks form and secrete nacre, a crystalline substance. As this hardens, a pearl is formed.

Natural pearls are rarely available on the market, and when they are, they can cost a lot. Famous natural pearls like the Tahitian Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, and Akoya are hugely popular but very expensive. So what jewelry makers have been doing is to make imitation pearls made of shell, or “shell pearls,” as they are called.

Shell pearl is a good replacement of natural pearls. One type of shell pearl is made of shell power and the other is polished by natural shells. Shell Pearls will be shaped, dyed and coated with natural pearl nacre and then a protective coating to give it lustre. Shell pearls vary in quality but may be quite beautiful and much less expensive than saltwater pearls. Furthermore, the industry’s strict quality control can ensure shell pearls’ color and shine so that they will not be affected by sweat and perfume.

As for the color, natural pearls are not available in colors such as bright pink, electric blue or apple green - but shell pearls are available in those colors. As required, the shell pearls can be dyed into multiple colors including silver white, golden, teal, peacock and black.  Upmarket shell pearls require quality craftsmanship and the products made this way usually has pure colors and the color will not fade or change, thus it is easy for maintenance.

On Pandahall, shell pearls are not only round, they are made into various of shapes including cabochon stones and necklace or earring components like these. Would you like to have one? Welcome to visit our website!