{"product_id":"20-centre-drilled-new-zealand-pink-fresh-water-mussel-beads","title":"20 centre drilled New Zealand pink fresh water mussel beads.","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew Zealand Freshwater Pink Mussel Shell Beads – Centre Drilled (Mixed Shapes | Polished Tumbled Finish | Set of 20)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA batch of New Zealand freshwater pink mussel shell beads, tumbled and polished with a natural soft sheen. Each bead is centre drilled for versatile stringing and jewellery design use, offering a mix of organic shapes and naturally varied iridescence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial \u0026amp; Identity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese beads are formed from freshwater mussel shell featuring a naturally occurring pink inner nacre layer, contrasted with more muted outer shell tones. This creates a natural dual-surface appearance, ranging from soft blush pinks and pearlescent whites to earthy shell greys depending on orientation and light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFormation \u0026amp; Science\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe iridescent qualities of freshwater mussel shell come from nacre (mother-of-pearl), a biomineral structure composed of aragonite (calcium carbonate) arranged in microscopic layered sheets. Light interacts with these layers through structural interference, producing subtle colour shifts rather than pigment-based colouration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tumbling and polishing process smooths the shell surface while preserving the internal nacre structure, enhancing natural reflectivity while maintaining organic variation across each bead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Natural Context\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFreshwater mussels are native to New Zealand river systems and are closely associated with freshwater ecosystem health, as they require clean, oxygen-rich water to survive. Their shells are widely used in contemporary craft, jewellery making, and decorative applications due to their natural variation and soft iridescent qualities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCraft \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese beads are centre drilled, making them suitable for a wider range of stringing directions and design approaches compared to top-drilled variants. Ideal for:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* necklaces and bracelets\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* symmetrical jewellery designs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* bead weaving and stringing work\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* mixed media and craft applications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach set of 20 contains naturally varied shapes, tones, and iridescence, ensuring every batch remains unique while functionally consistent for jewellery production.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kerrie Owens Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56943180022138,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/7861\/6636\/files\/IMG_9694.webp?v=1780509514","url":"https:\/\/kerrieowensarts.co.uk\/products\/20-centre-drilled-new-zealand-pink-fresh-water-mussel-beads","provider":"Kerrie Owens Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}