If you already read The Pearl of All Brides, you may know that pearls have been coveted like gems for centuries, even millenia. In the fifth book of the Diamond Dynasty series, In A Precious Vow, Peter Primrose learn about another type of nacre that is closely related but also distinguishes itself from other pearls, the Abalone.
Abalone pearls meander through the world of gem treasures as scintillating testament to nature's artistry. Just as their mollusk cousins, oysters, offer up pearls, abalones—delightful sea snails—also harbor the ability to produce these marvelous gems. With nacre, the organic substance laid down in layers, they give life to pearls known for their captivating iridescence.
The inner world of an abalone shell is a mesmerizing spectacle, showcasing a vibrant array of iridescent blues, greens, and a harmonious blend of pinks, silvers, and purples. The kaleidoscope of colors and textures gracefully intertwines, brought together by delicate conchiolin lines, a protein that plays a crucial role in both the structure and appearance of pearls. This protein enhances the depth and contrast of the lustrous sheen found in nacre, showcasing the beauty of nature's artistry. Nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, is hard due to the intricate arrangement of calcium carbonate crystals. These crystals form layers within the nacre, creating a strong and durable material. The conchiolin protein acts as a binder, holding these layers together and contributing to the overall hardness of the nacre.
While the structural complexity of nacre accounts for the abalone pearl's remarkable resilience, it's the unique conditions under which these gems form that influence their rarity and value. Despite the abundance of these gastropods, natural abalone pearls remain a gemological rarity. Their allure lies in the unorthodox hues, especially the celebrated blue pearls, which are shaped into exquisite ornamentations prized by collectors around the globe. Indeed, "The Big Pink Pearl" holds a record as one of the most esteemed abalone pearls discovered, appraised at a staggering $4.7 million back in 1991.
The rarity escalates when it comes to perfectly round abalone pearls—nature’s marvels that take decades to naturally accumulate their lustrous coats. While the cultivation of abalone pearls embarked on the scene in the late 1800s, contemporary abalone pearl farms, primarily situated in California and New Zealand, focus on breeding the Paua variety, famed for manufacturing the The mesmerizing blue pearl mabe, a type of cultured pearl that is cultivated using a mabe pearl farming technique. It is characterized by its stunning blue color, which adds a unique touch to jewelry designs. These days, this type of pearl is commonly used in various types of jewelry, such as earrings, pendants, and rings. Its striking blue hue makes it popular for creating eye-catching and elegant pieces. As for the cost, the price of a blue pearl mabe can vary depending on factors such as its size, quality, and the specific jewelry piece it is used in.
Cultivating these marine gems is not merely a delicate art but a lengthy, arduous venture that demands a pristine marine habitat and unwavering patience, particularly as abalones are notoriously frail and susceptible to harm.
In the realm of jewelry, the allure of a traditional necklace adorned with round abalone pearls remains a captivating dream. These precious gems, harvested from delicate sea snails, are as rare as they are exquisite. The intricate and complex biological processes that create these pearls lend them a mystical quality, making them treasures worthy of pursuit. With their naturally vibrant colors cascading in a mesmerizing display, the advent of such a wonder would truly be extraordinary.
Sources included: https://www.winterson.co.uk/blog/2012/07/blue-pearl-secrets-of-the-abalone-sea-snail/
