MABE PEARLS
Discover the allure of Mabe pearls, the exquisite creations also known as blister pearls. These half-pearls are cultivated within the embrace of mollusk shells, featuring a delicate nucleus crafted from mother of pearl.
These treasures can flourish within various saltwater and freshwater pearl-bearing mollusks, with Pinctada maxima, Pteria sterna, and Pteria penguin oysters emerging as favored choices for their cultivation.
Origin
Since the 1970s, Mabe pearls have been intentionally cultivated by skilled pearl farmers through a meticulous process. This involves affixing a flat or hemispherical nucleus or disc inside the shell using adhesive. The cultivation extends not only to oysters but also to abalones, resulting in the creation of these exquisite pearls. Nowadays, these treasures are lovingly harvested across various regions including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, China, Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, French Polynesia, Mexico, and the United States.
Formation & Cultivation
The journey of cultivation unfolds with the gentle attachment of a nucleus to the inner shell of an oyster. Over the span of around three years, the nurturing mother oyster tenderly enrobes the nucleus with countless delicate layers of nacre. Gradually, a Mabe pearl emerges, its maturation marked by the graceful attainment of a hemispherical dome shape.
This unique pearl takes on a delicate hollow form, which is subsequently imbued with clear resin and sealed lovingly with a mother-of-pearl backing.
Qualities
Color: White/Silvergrey/Champagne/Green blue/Dove grey with varied overtones
Size: Mabe Pearls exhibit a captivating range, spanning from a dainty 5mm to an impressive 20mm, depending on the dimensions of their mollusk host.
Shape: Flat-bottomed, hemispherical
Lustre: Lustrous and stunning sharp reflection with multiple color overtones
Value
Undoubtedly precious, Mabe Pearls possess their own allure, although their rarity doesn't match that of naturally formed spherical pearls. These "half-pearls," owing to their unique nature, offer more accessible pricing compared to whole, individual pearls.
