The Rare Mabe Pearls

Welcome to our deep dive into the mesmerising world of mabe pearls! At Arapawa Blue Pearls, understanding the beauty and uniqueness of these pearls can enhance your appreciation for them.

In this blog, we will explore what makes mabe pearls so unique, highlight our exclusive collections, including the “Orient” and “Regular” pearls, delve into our specially crafted blue pearls, and showcase our extra-thick Nacre pearls. We’ll also share interesting facts and explain why these exceptional gems are a fantastic addition to your jewellery collection.

 

What Are Arapawa Pearls?

Mabe pearls are formed by inserting the nucleus behind the gills and in the gut, which leads to an incredible contrast of colours. The paua - abalone to protect themselves, they secrete nacre—a combination of aragonite and conchiolin—layer upon layer around the irritant, eventually creating a pearl. Known for their lustrous appearance, mabe pearls are often called “mother-of-pearl” for their enchanting iridescence. By achieving the perfect thickness for a pearl - it will then last a lifetime.

 

What Makes Pearls Unique?

1. Irresistible Lustre
Mabe pearls are renowned for their incredible lustre, which results from the transparent layers of nacre and conchiolin that the paua-abalone randomly secrete. The way light interacts with these layers gives each pearl a captivating glow that can change with different angles of light. Unlike many other pearls, Nacre pearls have a unique depth that adds a sense of mystery and allure.

2. Colour Variety
One of the most delightful aspects of mabe pearls is their stunning array of colours! They can vary from classic paua colours of blue and green, deep purples, bright pinks, and even striking gold and reds to soft pastels. This broad colour palette allows for versatile jewellery designs, making it easy to find a piece that complements any outfit or skin tone.

3. Natural Formation and Variation
Every mabe pearl is a one-of-a-kind creation, thanks to the natural processes involved in their formation. Each pearl may feature slight imperfections, irregularities, or unique shapes. These characteristics make mabe pearls authentically represent nature's artistry, appealing to those who appreciate individuality in their jewellery.

 

Introducing Our Exclusive Collections

"Orient" Pearls

Among our exquisite collection of mabe pearls, we proudly feature our unique line called “Orient” pearls.

These distinguished pearls have a captivating body colour enhanced by the presence of three or more overtones. This remarkable feature gives each “Orient” pearl a beautiful depth and complexity, allowing it to display an array of hues that shift and shimmer with every movement, making them truly extraordinary.

 

“Regular” Pearls

We also offer “Regular” pearls, which showcase a more straightforward yet elegant aesthetic. These pearls feature only two primary colours: blue-green, blue-purple, green, pink…etc. While they may have a more straightforward colour profile, their beauty and charm lie in their classic appeal, making them versatile pieces for everyday wear.

 

Blue Pearls

Our specially crafted rare. blue pearls are particularly striking, consisting of 80% primary blue body colour complemented by beautiful overtones. Rare because out of each harvest, for example, out of one thousand pearls, we may get between five to ten of these pearls. Yes, only a few.

These pearls stand out for their vibrant hues, unique saturation colour and surface quality. Adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any jewellery design.

 

Extra-Thick Nacre Pearls

For those seeking durability and beauty, we proudly offer extra-thick Nacre pearls that are ideal for rings, bracelets, and cufflinks. Each pearl undergoes a meticulous thickness test using our specially designed Moh's scale pearl thickness tester. This ensures that all our extra-thick Nacre pearls meet our high standards for quality and sturdiness, making them perfect choices for everyday jewellery pieces.

Exciting Facts About Nacre Pearls

Marine Marvel: The name “nacre” derives from the Arabic word “nakhra,” which means “mother of pearl.” This is a nod to the pearly inner layer of molluscs that also forms the base of Nacre pearls.

Formation Time: A Nacre pearl takes between three to seven years to fully form. The longer the pearl stays in the mollusc, the thicker the nacre layers become, leading to a higher-quality pearl. We leave our pearls in for four to 5 years. It is essential to keep checking them - as you want them to retain their profile.

Healing Properties:: In some cultures, pearls are believed to have healing properties. They are said to promote calmness, balance, and emotional stability, making them beautiful and beneficial.

 

Mabe pearls are not just exquisite decorations but unique pieces of nature that carry a rich history and cultural significance. Our exclusive collections offer something for everyone, including the captivating “Orient” pearls, elegant “Regular” pearls, vibrant blue pearls, and the extra-thick Nacre pearls.

Whether you're looking for a statement piece or a delicate accessory, Mabe pearls fit any occasion with their diverse colours and enchanting beauty.

At Arapawa , we invite you to explore our collection of pearl Jewellery—each piece is a testament to the paua's nature's wonders. Embrace these extraordinary gems’ elegance and individuality and let them become cherished parts of your story!

 

Terminology

Here are some Pearling terms index that we use to help you understand:

Nacre: One of the transparent layers that forms the pearls.
Conchiolin: The dark layer that covers the pearl.
Orient: Three or more overtone colours can be seen on the pearl.
Regular: Two colours can be seen on the pearl.
Blue: A pearl which has only the Blue colour.
Saturation: The amount of colour in a pearl
Lustre: The way the pearl reflects the light like a mirror image.
Profile: Height of the pearl.