Abalone Beads

The name abalone is derived from a Spanish-American word, Aulon or Aulone. Abalone shells are prized for their inner iridescent layer. Abalone shell necklaces are a very popular jewelry worldwide. Abalone beads are derived from abalone shells of high quality and luster. Both sides of the beads are made of abalone shells with finely polished and smooth edges. They are of different sizes of abalone shells and pierced for string and threading.

These beads are created into exquisite pieces of jewelry as necklaces, earrings and pendants. Abalone beads come in all sizes and shape as round, coin, oval, rectangles, drop, hearts, tubes, and leaf.

Common colors are red, white, pink, red, black, green and white. The color banding on many abalones is due to changes in the types of algae eaten. Young abalone grazes on the rock encrusted coralline, algae and bacterial films. As they grow, they rely on drift algae. Coming from a mollusk, the abalone shell features a virtual rainbow of colors.

Abalone beads are available in all jewelry outlets. All of the most common shapes vary in sizes and prices:

* Flat oval shell, thin shell, color varies, sizes vary

* Flat pear shell, thin shell, sizes vary, color varies

* Donut pie, color varies, sizes vary

* Flat oval drop, color varies, sizes vary

* Flat pear drop, color varies, sizes vary

* Fancy pear drop, color varies, sizes vary

* Tumbled nuggets, size varies, sizes vary

* Long nuggets, color varies, sizes vary

* Dime, size varies, color varies, and sizes vary

* Abalone diamond shape, color varies, sizes vary

* Abalone coin shape, color varies, size vary

* Abalone rectangle shape, color varies, sizes vary

* Abalone teardrop, color varies, sizes vary

* Abalone round, color varies, sizes vary

Because abalone beads are fragile, they must be protected from blows as they are likely to crack and chip. You can clean the beads by using a soft cloth dipped in lukewarm water. Do not clean with any abrasive cleaner. You will enjoy many years wearing your beautiful abalone necklace, if you take good care of it.

There is a belief that a necklace made of abalone beads gently cleanses the heart of from, sorrow and negative emotions.