Abalone Shell Pendants in Sterling Silver  

Natural Paua Shell Set in .925 Silver Settings

Abalone forms its characteristic iridescence through the same biological process that creates pearls. The mollusk deposits thin layers of aragonite crystite, and light refracting through these layers produces the shifting colors you see when the shell moves. This optical effect, called structural coloration, cannot be replicated in synthetic materials. The shells used in our pendants come from wild-harvested abalone, primarily from Pacific coastal waters. With a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 4, abalone shell requires protective settings to prevent scratching during wear. Our silversmiths mount each shell in bezels and frames that shield the edges while letting the natural pattern remain visible. The sterling silver complements the cool blue-green tones dominant in most abalone specimens. SilverRush Style has sold natural stone jewelry since 2005. Every pendant ships with the actual item photographed, so the abalone pattern you see in the listing is the exact piece you receive. Browse the collection and find a shell pattern that speaks to you.