Paua is the species of abalone shell (Haliotis iris) found only in the cold waters of southern New Zealand. The coloring varies from
shell to shell and has an amazing iridescence. The lighting in
the photos above does not do justice to the array of colors found in these
shells. The government of New Zealand strictly controls the
harvesting of abalone for food. The shells are a natural by-product.
R-565-BPL: There are 25 to 27 medium paua beads per strand. The strands are
about 10.5" long (27 cm) and the beads are at least 0.75" in
length (1.9 cm). Paua beads are made from cut and tumbled paua
shell.
R-565-BPS: There are typically 7 beads per strand. These strands have shells that are 1.5" to 2" long by 1" to 1.5" wide. Four weighed 1.7 oz or 50 grams. The shells are finished on both sides and the holes are small and nicely drilled.
Genus and species: Haliotis iris. Wild.
Product of New Zealand |
