Paua Shell Beads and Abalone Shell Beads

Paua shell beads aren't called sea opal beads for nothing. Their stunning, iridescent colors resemble the beautiful "flash" of precious opal - but at a much more affordable price! In fact, paua shell is unique among the world's nearly 130 abalone shell (aka ear shell) varieties in the vibrancy of its palette! Found only around New Zealand coasts, paua shell is naturally more blue than California abalone. Nevertheless, some paua shell beads and pendants on the market are dyed to enhance their naturally blue color - ours might be dyed too. Abalones in general live along the coastal waters of almost every major continent. They are members of the Gastropoda class of mollusks that have one-piece shells with a dichroic appearance. Some people believe that paua shell beads aid creativity and strengthen the heart chakra.