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Mother of Pearl

Mother of pearl originates from the Phillipines and the warm tropical seas of Asia. White Mother of pearl colour is a white background with pearlescense. White Mother of Pearl originates from both the Phillipines and Indonesia. Black Mother of pearl colour is a black/grey background with pearlescense over the entire surface and violet to green iridescence, especially around the lip of the shell. The best Black Mother of Pearl comes from Tahiti.
The hardness is 2.5 mohs and best usees are in inlay, cabbing, bead making and carving. We carry whole shell in rough and polished, cut strips and pieces, precision cut pieces and chunky nubs. Please see below for pricing and details.
White Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Rough - Large

White Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Rough - Large

White Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Rough $10.00  per oz. choose quantity:  oz
White Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Rough - Small

White Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Rough - Small

White Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Rough - Small $8.00  per oz. choose quantity:  oz
White Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Polished

White Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Polished

Shells measure 8" diagonally and sell for approximately $100 each.
White Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Polished $90.00  each choose quantity:  each
White Mother of Pearl Cut Strips and Pieces

White Mother of Pearl Cut Strips and Pieces

White Mother of Pearl Cut Strips and Pieces $10.00  per oz. choose quantity:  oz
White Mother of Pearl Small Cut Strips and Pieces

White Mother of Pearl Small Cut Strips and Pieces

White Mother of Pearl Small Cut Strips and Pieces $15  per oz. choose quantity:  oz
White Mother of Pearl Precision Cut Pieces

White Mother of Pearl Precision Cut Pieces

These are small pieces precision cut to exact thickness. Best used for work requiring precision like antiques furniture repair or picture frames. Otherwise it is far more economical to use either the pearl strips or the pearl cut pieces
White Mother of Pearl Precision Cut Pieces $3.00  per gram choose quantity:  grams
White Mother of Pearl Chunky Nubs

White Mother of Pearl Chunky Nubs

(Approximately $60.00 per nub)
White Mother of Pearl Chunky Nubs 6 oz minimum $10.00  per oz. choose quantity:  oz
Black Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Rough

Black Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Rough

Each Shell Is Approximately 8 oz. These are rare extra heavy shells
Black Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Rough $10.00  per oz. choose quantity:  oz
Black Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Polished

Black Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Polished

Black Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Polished 4 inch Out of Stock $15.00  each choose quantity:
Black Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Polished 4 1/2 inch $24.00  each choose quantity:
Black Mother of Pearl Whole Shell Polished 4 ¾ inch Out of Stock $30.00  each choose quantity:
Black Mother of Pearl Cut Strips and Pieces

Black Mother of Pearl Cut Strips and Pieces

Black Mother of Pearl Cut Strips and Pieces 50 gram minimum $1.00  per gram choose quantity:  grams
White Mother of Pearl Shell Rough Disc 13mm

White Mother of Pearl Shell Rough Disc 13mm

White Mother of Pearl Shell Rough Disc 13mm $1.50  each choose quantity:  each
Black Mother of Pearl Rough Disc 16mm

Black Mother of Pearl Rough Disc 16mm

Black Mother of Pearl Rough Disc 16mm $1.50  each choose quantity:  each
White Mother of Pearl Shell Clean Disc 22mm

White Mother of Pearl Shell Clean Disc 22mm

White Mother of Pearl Shell Clean Disc 22mm $2.00  each choose quantity:  each
Black Mother of Pearl Rough Disc 23mm

Black Mother of Pearl Rough Disc 23mm

Black Mother of Pearl Rough Disc 23mm $2.00  each choose quantity:  each
Black Mother of Pearl Rough Disc 28mm

Black Mother of Pearl Rough Disc 28mm

Black Mother of Pearl Rough Disc 28mm $3.00  each choose quantity:  each
Black Mother of Pearl Polished Discs 31mm

Black Mother of Pearl Polished Discs 31mm

Black Mother of Pearl Polished Discs 31 mm with drilled top hole $5.00  each choose quantity:  each
Black Mother of Pearl Polished Discs 31 mm plain (no top hole) $4.00  each choose quantity:  each
Black Mother of Pearl Rough Disc 45mm

Black Mother of Pearl Rough Disc 45mm


These are very thick and when they were cut back in the 1940s they were only able to get one disc per shell
Black Mother of Pearl Disc Rough 45mm $28.50  each choose quantity:  each
Mother of Pearl Rondell 4mm

Mother of Pearl Rondell 4mm

Mother of Pearl Rondell 4mm $95.00  each choose quantity:  strand
Mother of Pearl Rondell 5mm

Mother of Pearl Rondell 5mm

Mother of Pearl Rondell 5mm $125.00  each choose quantity:  strand
Mother of Pearl Rondell 6mm

Mother of Pearl Rondell 6mm

Mother of Pearl Rondell 6mm $150.00  each choose quantity:  strand
Mother of Pearl Rondell 7mm

Mother of Pearl Rondell 7mm

Mother of Pearl Rondell 7mm $175.00  each choose quantity:  strand

Mother of pearl is a beautiful, iridescent material that forms inside the shells of certain mollusks, like oysters and mussels. It is created when the mollusk secretes a layer of nacre, which is a combination of calcium carbonate and proteins. Over time, these layers build up, forming the shiny, smooth substance we call mother of pearl. The same process is what forms pearls, which are created when the mollusk wraps nacre around an irritant, like a grain of sand, inside the shell.

You can find mother of pearl in warm seas, especially in regions like the Philippines, Indonesia, and parts of Asia. The material comes in different colors: white mother of pearl has a bright, pearly sheen, while black mother of pearl features darker tones with iridescent highlights, especially around the lip of the shell. The best black mother of pearl is often sourced from Tahiti.

Mother of pearl is commonly used in making jewelry, including pearl necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. The subtle shine and smooth texture make it ideal for these pieces. You can also find mother of pearl inlays used in musical instruments, furniture, and other decorative items. In pearl jewelry vs pearl necklaces, the difference lies in that pearls are typically individual, natural pearls, while mother of pearl refers to the smooth, iridescent lining of the shell.

Mother of pearl pieces can be found in various forms—whole shells, polished sections, cut strips, and precision-cut discs—all of which are used for different purposes. Whether you're looking for mother of pearl jewelry or a decorative inlay, this material offers a versatile and beautiful addition to any collection.

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