Blue Pearls

The Blackfoot Paua (Abalone: haliotis iris), one of eight mollusk variety found around the Pacific Rim, is indigenous to New Zealand coastal waters. The Paua's mother-of-pearl shell lining, of iridescent multi-hued nacre, is recognized and widely used to create inlay, art, adornment and jewelry. What is not well-known is that much like a pearl oyster; the Abalone produces natural pearls by coating irritants or parasites, which it is unable to remove/expel, with its nacre. Reflections of their shells, these “nacre-coated irritants” called Paua (Abalone) Pearls are colorful and most often, highly iridescent. These natural (blister) pearls, being either of mabe or shark’s tooth shape, are very rare, however.

Today, most of the Paua Blue Pearls are created by man in delicate harmony with nature and the mollusk. Culturing pearls in the Paua has been fraught with difficulties due its hemophiliac nature and its ability to quickly expel most irritants. However, these difficulties are being overcome with the use of a special process, somewhat similar to the process used with the pearl oyster, to produce unique, spectacular multi-colored mabe pearls.

The resulting pearls of 5 to 20mm in diameter are reflections of the Paua inner shells, with mirror finished or subtle reflected luster. The colors range from vibrant purple, magenta (purplish-red), greens and blues. With characteristics similar to that of a chameleon, the pearls' soft iridescent colors change from blue, purple, green to gold/yellow with splashes of silver-grey, red and pink with a mere hint of light -- the color combinations are infinite.

The New Zealand Paua Blue Pearls are graded using Gem, A or B grade point system – that has some similarities to the “Tahitian System” used to grade the South Sea Pearls, Tahitian Black Pearls and the Cook Island Black Pearls. Each Blue Pearl is graded based on its size, intensity of color; degree of luster and surface imperfection. Grading points are then allocated based on a maximum ratio point of 40% for color; 30% for luster and 30% for surface imperfections.

The Blue Pearls of magenta, greens and blues are considered the most desirable and are reflective as such in their pricing. Majority has brownish color that does not diminish or distract from the pearl’s beauty which comes from their unique shapes and colors. Paua Pearls are of 100% natural color – with no dyes, lacquers or any other enhancements, and are certified accordingly with Certificates of Authenticity. These Certificates are provided to retailers, for distribution to the purchasers by the Paua Blue Pearl Hatcheries from which they originated.