Mabe pearls are often called “a half pearl,” which are grown against the inside of the mollusk’s shell, rather than inside the body of the mollusk. Here is the introduction of Mabe pearl formation.
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How Mabe pearl forms
2010-06-17 11:01:00
Mabe pearls are of hemispherical shape, in other word, 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.
Mabe pearls occasionally appear in nature. Cultured mabe pearls are cultured intentionally by using a hemispheric nucleus, rather than a round one; and by implanting it against the oyster’s shell, rather than within its tissue. Mabe pearls are made when the oyster forms a coating over an irritant on the interior side of its shell, rather than one free floating inside. After the pearl reaches a sufficient size, it is then cut from the shell, and the semi-spherical nucleus bead which was originally inserted into the oyster shell to make the pearl grow, is removed, and the remaining hole is filled with a paster or wax. It is then covered with a mother-of-pearl backing. The resulting pearl has a pearly nacre coating almost the same as a whole cultured pearl. The main difference is that it tends to be a little thinner, however much larger in diameter with more pearlescent surface area. Then it becomes a mabe pearl.
Mabe pearls are used for such things as pearl rings and pearl earrings, rather than for stringing on pearl necklaces. They tend to be very beautiful with high luster and orient, but are priced much lower than round pearls. Mabe pearls can come in many colors and sizes, and even shapes. 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.
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