The Strength of Arapawa Blue Pearls and Our Mighty Abalone

When you think of “New Zealand Paua,” your mind might go straight to the All Blacks or our legendary rugged landscapes, but there’s another unsung hero lurking in our waters—the mighty abalone (or pāua, as we call it here).

These remarkable marine creatures aren’t just sustaining our seas—they’re creating some of the most unique and rare pearls in the world, known as Arapawa Blue Pearls. But how does abalone, this unassuming mollusc, embody New Zealand Paua, and why should you care? Let’s dive into the deep blue to find out!

 

Abalone: The Unsung Marine Muscle

In New Zealand, we call them pāua. In the US, they’re hailed as a culinary delicacy, and their beautiful shells are often the main attraction. But pāua are so much more than their shell—that have live here got hundreds of years.

These muscular molluscs cling tightly to rocks in New Zealand’s turbulent waters, thriving where others would falter. Abalone feed on seaweed, converting it into energy, and as they grow, they also grow something magical: pearls.

That’s right. While most people think of oysters as the jewel-makers of the sea, here at Arapawa Blue Pearls, we cultivate pearls on our land based farm, to create stunning Mabe Pearls. Mabe pearls. These pearls don’t just look incredible—they symbolize the uniqueness that the pearls are becoming famous for.

How Does Pāua Turn into Pearls?

It’s not just magic—it’s marine biology! Our abalone take four years to grow a single Mabe pearl, slowly forming layer after layer of lustrous nacre. This is where New Zealand Paua really shines—our waters are wild and untamed, and it’s in this environment that our pearls gain their distinct strength and vivid hues. Each pearl is unique, much like the untamed landscapes of New Zealand itself.

 

Not only are our paua - abalone shells a kaleidoscope of shimmering colours, but the pearls we harvest from them have an unparalleled depth and individuality. No two pearls are alike, each one a truly unique creation. We handcraft each pearl here on Arapaoa Island, where our technicians apply their skill and expertise to each pearl.

The Global Connection: New Zealand vs. the World

Now, let’s get into a fun fact: did you know abalone are actually global citizens? In the US, they have their own varieties, like the red abalone,Haliotis rufescens, And in Australia they have the Greenlip Abalone (Haliotis laevigata) but none compare to New Zealand’s black foot pāua Haliotis iris. Ours are the most unique in colour, and we believe that’s down to our cooler waters and pristine conditions. Think of it this way—New Zealand Paua isn’t just limited to rugby or breath-taking scenery; it’s alive and thriving in parts of New Zealand our ocean.

What Do They Eat to Get So Strong?

Abalone are a bit like oceanic athletes—they thrive on a steady diet of seaweed. The nutritional richness of the seaweed in New Zealand’s waters contributes to the abalone’s health, which in turn contributes to the nacre layers in our pearls. Just like you are what you eat, these abalone become what they consume, and the result is some of the finest pearls you’ll find anywhere.

 

Why Are Arapawa Blue Pearls So Special?

Our pearls are truly distinctive because each one is cultivated with care over a period of four years, within the vibrant Paua abalone shells unique to New Zealand.

Handcrafted on Arapaoa Island, these pearls stand out for their striking iridescent appearance, deep colours, and individuality—no two pearls are alike. I blue pearls are some of the rarest in the world, adding to their captivating appearance.

The natural beauty and rarity of our pearls reflect the strength and resilience of the environment they come from, making them rare treasures unlike any others in the world.