Pearls are formed within the soft tissue of certain mollusks, with the rarest and most treasured being natural pearls that occur spontaneously in the wild.
Throughout history, they have inspired countless origin myths: said to be the tears of gods, droplets from the heavens, or lightning captured within an oyster shell. These legends imbued pearls with a mystical vitality, enhancing their allure.
Pearls became synonymous with decadence, their allure fueling Europe's insatiable demand. This appetite led to the overharvesting of pearl fisheries, driving them to exhaustion. In the late 1800s, as natural pearls grew scarce, Mikimoto Kōkichi pioneered the cultivation of cultured pearls—a technique that remains the foundation of pearl production today.
Pearls hardness ranges from about 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making them relatively soft and susceptible to scratching.
Detail: Portrait of a Lady in Allegorical Guise by Pierre Mignard, 17th century
Haliotidae
Abalone
Abalone refers to several species of mollusk, known for their vibrant, iridescent shells. These creatures have been a vital food source for over 12,000 years and are highly valued for their striking purple and green nacre. The unique beauty of abalone shell has long been used in jewelry, buttons, and as inlays in musical instruments and furniture, adding a touch of natural elegance and color.
Abalone shell has a hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale. This makes it relatively soft compared to many gemstones, which is why it's often used in decorative applications rather than as a durable material for heavy wear.
Extended Holiday Returns
Items purchased through the end of 2024 will be eligible for returns until January 14th, as long as they are in unworn condition and otherwise satisfy our returns policy.
Shop with peace of mind.
We accept timely return of unworn jewelry for store credit, or a refund minus a small restocking fee.
We work with a range of metals in our studio to service a variety of styles, price points, and skin sensitivities. Explore our Metals Encyclopedia to get to know your jewelry.
