How Is a Mabe Pearl Made?

What a Mabe Pearl Is

Often called "a half pearl," a mabe pearl forms on the inside of a mollusk's shell as compared with a normal pearl that forms inside the body of the mollusk. They appear round on one side, flat on the other. They are not as popular or as valuable as a round pearl, but are still sought after.

Culturing a Mabe

For a normal round pearl, a nucleus is inserted into the body of the mollusk growing in the shell. For a mabe, culturing requires placing the nucleus so that it is flush against the inside of the shell. The nacre deposits itself around the nucleus, and along the inside of the shell, creating a flat side. When the mabe pearl is removed from the oyster, a thin piece of mother pearl might be attached to the flat side of the pearl.

Looks of Mabe Pearls

Mabe pearls can come in many colors and sizes, and even shapes. As long as one side is flat, it is a mabe pearl. It can be round on the other side or oblong. The rarest mabe pearls are ones that are pink with gold swirls. Mabe pearls can be rainbow-like in color, containing several high-gloss colors. Their texture and luster is superior to that of a normal round pearl, but will never be as valuable because of the flat side.

Where Are Mabe Pearls Made

Mabe pearls are typically cultured in the saltwater within the areas of Japan, Australia and French Polynesia. The most beautiful in color are typically found on the southern coast of Japan. Up until the 1970s , the mabe pearl was not mass produced, but in the 70's, pearl farmers perfected the technique and now are able to create them at a high rate. Today, the culturing of pearls has become stable and, depending on the size, takes two to six years for a mabe to finish forming.

What Mabe Pearls Are Used For

Mabe pearls are used in rings and earrings. In this application, the flat side is hidden, so it does not affect the look of the ring. It is also easier to set into a jewelry set because of the flat side. It would not be a good choice for stringing on a necklace or bracelet because of the flat side. Because it does have more brilliant colors than the round pearl, jewelry made with the mabe is stunning.

References

• Mabe Pearls