SHELL SPECIES

NEW ZEALAND ABALONE

HALIOTIS IRIS

Unique to New Zealand, this shell is harvested from southern coastlines home to great white sharks. Also known as blackfoot pāua, New Zealand Abalone is the most colorful abalone shell. Its iridescent nacre features various blues and greens with flashes of pink and purple.

Once discovered by free-divers in cold waters, these precious shells are loosened by hand. Most New Zealand Abalone divers wear data loggers to record their area of harvest, and quantities brought to shore are limited by the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) set by the Ministry of Primary Industries. This quota is updated annually with guidance from industry research groups to ensure sustainability.

About 30% of our New Zealand Abalone comes from the Chatham Islands. This particular environment creates softer shells with a stronger blue. Our Riverton studio processes over 200 tonnes of New Zealand Abalone shell annually – about 80% of New Zealand's harvest for this species.Designers have used New Zealand Abalone in decorative inlays for luxury homes and restaurants. Along with the shell, pearls from this species are featured in textiles and jewellry. New Zealand Abalone shell is graded on size, thickness, colour, and worm damage.

WHITE MOTHER OF PEARL

PINCTADA MAXIMA

In the remote shores of Northern Australia, the most treasured of the Mother of Pearl oysters thrive. These warm, crystal clear turquoise waters nurture and grow the sought after White South Sea Pearls. The lustrous pearly white color of the shells reflects the pristine natural environment in which they are formed. When the layers of pure white nacre catch the light, the pearlescent qualities of this oyster allow the eye to see subtle pinks amongst the shells strong natural luster.

The Pinctada maxima oyster is the largest and rarest of all the pearl oysters. The shells are either harvested from the wild under strict regulations or bred in a hatchery before being taken to the pearl farms. Most shells will have produced two or three pearls in their life time before they are harvested. This product has a strong story of sustainability - a valuable by-product of the pearling industry with no risk of over harvesting and exploitation. All our suppliers for this shell are members of the Pearl Producers Association which holds MSC certification on behalf of its licensees for the Pinctada maxima fishery.

After the global financial crisis in 2008 the demand for pearls reduced rapidly causing some farms to close, decreasing the shell harvest and availability by about 50%.

Australian White Mother of Pearl shells are sought after by jewelers, watchmakers, furniture makers, interior and fashion designers.

White Mother of Pearl shell is commonly used for Mother of Pearl buttons, Luméa shell veneers, shell tiles, jewellry parts and inlay blanks.

BLACK MOTHER OF PEARL

PINCTADA MARGARITIFERA

Sustainably farmed in the remote Tahitian and Cook Island lagoons, this black lipped oyster shell, with its lustrous peacock coloring, is bred to grow the world renowned mystical black pearls. Some would say it is the black beauty of the Ocean.

These shells begin their lives in a hatchery before going into the lagoons. Historically each shell underwent two or three seedings before being harvested, however a recent change in operating practices has meant most Luméa Black Mother of Pearl shells now only go through one seeding process before they are harvested. The resulting shells tend to be smaller and thinner, but still have the beautiful vibrant peacock coloring.

About 90% of Luméa Black Mother of Pearl shells come from Tahitian pearl farms. The pearl farms are nestled among the many atolls of Tahiti and the best shells are from the most remote Tahitian islands in the Rikitea group. These shells have to make a long journey in small boats to the main island for grading and export. The small Cook Island lagoon of Manahiki offers small quantities also.

Due to its neutral darker coloring, designers have used Black Mother of Pearl shells largely for interior decoration in the form of tiles and paneling and in the fashion industry for high-end jewellry or pearl shell buttons.

RESPONSIBLE PRACTICE

SUSTAINABLE SEABEDS

Our free divers and shell buyers are citizens of Pacific communities who depend on sustainable relationships with the ocean. They are professionals who respect the origin, growth and delicate nature of our shells. Harvesting practices are in line with their heritage and local laws. Constant communication and regular site visits keep us – and our international partners – informed and accountable. The quality and supply of our overseas products are affected by changes in sustainable management plans, voluntary reductions in harvest quantities, minimum size limits, and restrictions on harvesting areas.

 Ocean Shell strives to maintain a current understanding of all relevant practices and legislation to ensure consistent, high quality products. Ocean Shell only deals with marine product exporters who hold an exporter license. We absolutely oppose overfishing and exploitation of seabeds. We are happy to answer questions about our environmental and ethical processes.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Carefully chosen, long-term partnerships enable us to produce high quality shell products. Many of these relationships are now friendships, as we have worked together for more than 10 years on a foundation of mutual trust and communication. Site visits are conducted at least once a year. We see with our own eyes the shores and factories where our shells are gathered and processed, and only work with responsible employers who ensure safe, legal and humane working conditions. 

 
DELIVERED WITH CARE

Sustainability drives all we do – from gathering shells on the coastline to shipping products into your hands. Most of our freight is done by sea, which is the most eco-friendly way to transport cargo internationally. Ocean Shell only uses shipping companies that are working to minimize their environmental impact.