Twenty Rainbow Pāua Shell Beads – Centre-Drilled Ocean Jewels from New Zealand Bring the brilliance of the sea into your craftwork with these stunning Pāua shell beads, reclaimed and reimagined for eco-conscious creativity. Harvested from genuine Haliotis iris (New Zealand abalone) and centre-drilled in my own studio, each bead radiates a unique blend of shimmering blues, greens, purples, and golds—nature’s own rainbow captured in nacre.
Once tourist keepsakes, these shells have been given a second life, polished to reveal their iridescent beauty and prepared for jewelry making, art projects, or spiritual work.
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Material & Craft Details • Shell Type: Haliotis iris (Pāua) – famed for its vibrant, multi-tonal nacre • Composition: Layers of aragonite (CaCO₃) structured to refract light into a rainbow spectrum • Finish: Polished, centre-drilled for classic bead stringing and symmetrical designs • Craft Method: Drilled carefully by hand to maintain structural integrity and finish • Color Range: Ocean teal, seafoam green, cobalt blue, magenta, violet—patterns vary bead to bead
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Symbolism & Uses • Oceanic Energy: Enhances intuition, emotional balance, and connection to the water element • Protection & Strength: Traditionally used in Maori adornments for courage and harmony • Versatile Application: Perfect for necklaces, mala beads, rosaries, bracelets, earrings, or sacred art
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Features • Quantity: 20 centre-drilled Pāua beads • Size: Approx. 8–10 mm diameter (slight natural variations in size and shape) • Eco-Friendly: Made from reclaimed shells—no fresh harvesting involved • Ready to Use: Cleanly drilled for smooth threading
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Care Tips • Avoid harsh chemicals—clean with soft, damp cloth only • Store separately from hard gemstones or metals to prevent scratching • Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight to preserve vibrant color
