10 New Zealand Freshwater Mussel Shell Pendant Beads, Tumbled, Drilled & Polished, Natural Iridescent, Pearlescent Craft Beads for Jewellery

Mixed New Zealand Freshwater Mussel Shell Pendant Beads – Tumbled, Drilled & Polished Natural Batch

A curated batch of natural New Zealand freshwater mussel shell pendant beads, tumbled to soften edges, carefully drilled, and lightly polished to reveal their pearlescent or high-iridescence surface. These beads retain the natural beauty of the shell, each with its own unique colouration, texture, and shape — no two are exactly alike.

🌀 Origin & Sustainability:
Sourced responsibly from second-hand or naturally discarded shells, each piece is repurposed into a sustainable material for jewellery, crafts, or ritual use. The shells come from local freshwater mussels and are hand-processed in my studio.

🔬 Scientific Background:
• Material: Freshwater mussel shell
• Composition: Primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) in the aragonite crystal form, with minor trace minerals giving natural variations in hue
• Structure: Layered nacre (mother-of-pearl) creates the iridescent sheen
• Origin: New Zealand

🎨 Uses & Applications:
• Jewellery Making: Pendants, charms, beadwork, necklaces, earrings
• Craft & Inlay: Resin art, mixed media projects, decorative inlays
• Spiritual & Ritual: Symbol of intuition, protection, and emotional balance. Often used in spell pouches or offerings, connecting the wearer to water energy and natural harmony

✨ Unique & Natural:
• Each bead is slightly different in size, shape, and colour — some show high rainbow iridescence, others soft pearlescent tones
• Perfect for those who value natural variation and character in their creations

📦 What’s Included:
• A batch of tumbled, drilled, and lightly polished freshwater mussel shell beads (number of beads may vary depending on batch size)
• Each batch listed in the images is the batch you will receive. If you wish to mix shell from different batches drop me a message to arrange that.

⚠️ Important Notes:
• Not suitable for consumption
• Small natural imperfections may be present due to the tumbled, unrefined nature of the shells.

✨ Care Guide:
• Avoid harsh chemicals, perfumes, or prolonged water exposure, as these can dull the natural iridescence.
• Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing to keep the nacre layer shining.
• Store separately in a soft pouch or box to prevent scratches from harder gemstones or metals.
• If the luster begins to fade, a tiny drop of natural oil (like almond or jojoba) can be buffed in.
• For a higher shine, a resin polishing compound can be carefully applied to restore a mirror-like finish.

These pendants are naturally strong but nacre can be brittle if dropped on hard surfaces — treat them with the same care you would give to pearls or other nacre-based jewellery.

Each pendant is unique, and the ones pictured in the group photo are part of a larger batch. If you have your eye on a particular piece, please get in touch when placing your order and I’ll do my best to reserve it for you. Otherwise, one will be selected at random from the batch.

Customs & Import Duties
Please be aware that customs duties, tariffs, and import taxes are the responsibility of the customer. By placing an order, you agree that you are aware of and accept responsibility for any charges required under your country’s laws (including the new U.S. tariffs).

If customs fees are not paid and the item is returned, this will be considered a non-consented return. In line with legal requirements (such as within the EU), refunds will be processed where applicable, but any charges or costs incurred on my end may be deducted from the refund.