All About Abalone: Ocean Treasure, Jewelry Favorite

Abalone has been admired for centuries as one of the sea’s most captivating natural wonders. With its swirling iridescence, shifting from rich blues and sea greens to flashes of purple and pink, abalone shell is instantly recognizable and eternally mesmerizing. Today, abalone remains a favorite in artisan jewelry, combining organic origins with timeless design.

But there is more to abalone than meets the eye. Behind every shimmering shell lies a fascinating story of marine biology, cultural significance, craftsmanship, and symbolism.

What is Abalone?

Abalone is a type of marine mollusk, related to snails and clams, that clings to rocks in shallow coastal waters around the world. These mollusks have a single, dome-shaped shell that serves as a protective home. The interior of the shell is lined with nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, which is what gives abalone its famous rainbow-like iridescence.

Nacre is the same substance that forms pearls. In abalone, the effect is especially dramatic, with a wavy, organic interplay of color that changes depending on how light strikes the shell. Each shell is completely unique—nature’s own miniature masterpiece.

The outer side of the shell is rough, often barnacle-encrusted or mottled with marine growth, which helps the abalone camouflage itself on rocky ocean floors. The inner side, hidden from predators and humans alike, holds the real treasure.

The name “abalone” is thought to come from the Spanish word abulón, derived from Native American terms. Interestingly, the shape of the shell is similar to that of a human ear—spiraled, curved, and ridged—earning it the nickname “ear-shell” in some cultures. This natural resemblance adds a layer of symbolic meaning. In spiritual and metaphysical traditions, abalone is believed to help open the mind to intuitive messages and promote active listening—both to oneself and to others. Its ear-like form, combined with its iridescent glow, has made it a symbol of inner awareness and emotional healing.

Where is Abalone Found?

Abalone is found in temperate coastal waters across the globe. Major sources include:

The Pacific coast of the United States, especially California and the Pacific Northwest
Mexico’s Baja Peninsula
South Africa’s southern coastline
New Zealand, where the Māori call it pāua and consider it culturally significant
Australia, home to several species of high-quality abalone
Japan, where abalone is both a culinary delicacy and a traditional material in decorative arts

Because wild abalone populations have been overharvested in some areas, regulations are now in place in many countries to protect natural stocks. Today, much of the abalone used in jewelry is sourced through sustainable aquaculture, ensuring the species’ long-term survival.

How Durable is Abalone Shell?

Abalone shell is undeniably beautiful, but it is also relatively delicate compared to many other materials used in jewelry. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, it ranks between 2.5 and 4. This means it is softer than quartz, topaz, or even most other shells.

Because of this, abalone should be handled with care. It can crack or chip if dropped or subjected to pressure. To enhance durability, abalone is often:

Stabilized with resin to reduce the chance of cracking
Inlaid into metal or wood to protect the edges
Coated with a clear lacquer or protective layer to maintain its color and shine

Even with these treatments, it’s important to wear abalone jewelry with attention and store it properly when not in use.

How is Abalone Used in Jewelry?

Abalone’s vivid natural color and organic shapes make it a favorite for jewelry designers. It is particularly popular in artisan and handmade styles. You’ll often find abalone shell featured in:

Dangle and stud earrings
Pendants and statement necklaces
Adjustable cuff bracelets and bangles
Inlay rings or shell-accented rings
Mosaic and inlay work, particularly with silver or wood

The shell pairs especially well with sterling silver, enhancing its oceanic hues, but is also used alongside gold, bronze, and even leather or suede for bohemian-inspired designs.

Each piece of abalone jewelry is completely one-of-a-kind, thanks to the natural variance in color and pattern from shell to shell.

Cultural and Historical Uses of Abalone

Abalone has a long and fascinating history. Indigenous cultures across the Pacific Rim have used abalone shells for centuries in art, ornamentation, and spiritual practices.

In Native American tribes along the California coast, abalone shells were used not only for jewelry but also as tools, trade goods, and ceremonial items. Shells were shaped into beads and worn as symbols of wealth or spiritual protection.

In Māori culture, pāua shells are used as decorative inlays in wood carvings, masks, and sculptures. They symbolize the eyes of ancestors and are often associated with intuition, vision, and the sea.

Ancient Chinese artisans used abalone in lacquerware and decorative arts. Its iridescent qualities made it prized for imperial designs and ceremonial objects.

In more recent history, abalone gained popularity during the 1960s and 70s in bohemian and hippie cultures, where its oceanic colors and natural form symbolized freedom, connection to nature, and spiritual awakening.

What Does Abalone Symbolize?

Abalone is often associated with themes of healing, balance, and protection. Across cultures, it has held symbolic meanings such as:

Emotional healing and calm, reflecting the peaceful movement of water
Connection to the ocean, intuition, and the moon
Spiritual protection and energy cleansing
Harmony in relationships, due to its smooth flow of color and light

Some people also believe that wearing abalone can help calm emotional turmoil, promote empathy, and foster inner peace.

In metaphysical traditions, abalone is connected to the Heart Chakra and Third Eye Chakra, helping individuals open up emotionally and develop greater insight or spiritual clarity.

Abalone’s Role in Modern Jewelry

Today, abalone remains a popular choice for both everyday jewelry and statement pieces. It is often used in coastal and ocean-inspired designs, and is also found in southwestern, Native American, and Bali-style jewelry.

One reason abalone continues to charm jewelry lovers is its natural beauty—it requires no enhancement or dye to reveal its radiant colors. When polished and set into quality materials like sterling silver, the result is a wearable piece of natural art.

How to Care for Abalone Jewelry

Because abalone is relatively soft and organic, it does require thoughtful care to preserve its appearance and integrity over time. Here are some tips:

Avoid harsh chemicals. Do not expose abalone to bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners, as these can damage the nacre and dull its color.
Keep away from extreme heat. High temperatures can cause abalone to crack or lose its luster.
Clean gently. Use a soft, damp cloth with mild soap and water. Never soak abalone jewelry or scrub it with abrasive materials.
Store with care. Place abalone pieces in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches from harder stones or metals.
Remove before physical activity. Avoid wearing abalone while swimming, cleaning, or doing manual work to reduce the risk of chipping or impact damage.

With a little extra attention, abalone jewelry can last for many years, retaining its ocean-born beauty and personal meaning.

A Timeless Ocean Treasure

Abalone is a reminder of nature’s delicate artistry—born in the sea, shaped by the tides, and finished by hand into something truly special. Its rich history, vivid beauty, and gentle symbolism make it a favorite among artisans and collectors alike.

At BeJeweled, we take pride in sourcing and offering natural abalone jewelry that’s as unique as the people who wear it. From earrings and pendants to statement necklaces, we hand-select each piece for its quality, craftsmanship, and color.

Come visit us at Hilltop North in Virginia Beach and explore our current collection of natural abalone shell jewelry—back in stock and ready to enchant.