Black Mother of Pearl shells, the dark, silky gems from the South seas are cultured in the lagoons of Tahitian and Cook Island atolls. The Pinctada margaritifera oyster (or Black-lip mother of Pearl) produces a unique dark lustrous free-form or marbe pearl.
The lustrous dark-lipped shell must be the ocean's black beauty. An eye-catching look for jewellery,  laminate, tiles and tumbled pieces.

Sold graded or semi-graded
Graded to sizes 8-11cm, 11cm up.
Quality: A grade, excludes significant worm, double backs,
dead shell and blemishes to surface.

Highly valued as sensual, enduring gems of the sea, White Mother of Pearl shells (Pinctada maxima oyster) are cultured on farms in the crystal clear turquoise seas of Northern Australia.
White Mother of Pearl shell is a by-product of Pearl production. The shell is the same natural lustrous material as the pearl itself, often called natural nacre.
Traditionally used for high quality buttons, the shell is now used for jewellery, laminate and tiles.
Limited supplies available subject to seasonal supply.  Graded A, B, FAQ, C, D or E.
Small quantities of top quality raw shell available from New Zealand warehouse suitable for handcarving or jewellery manufacture.