{"product_id":"new-zealand-top-drilled-tumbled-pink-fresh-water-mussel-shell","title":"New Zealand top drilled tumbled pink fresh water mussel shell.","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew Zealand Freshwater Pink Mussel Shell Beads – Tumbled, Polished (Top Drilled | Mixed Shapes | 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 soft natural sheen. Each bead is top drilled and shaped into a mix of organic forms, retaining the natural character of the shell while enhancing its soft iridescence and pink-toned internal layer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial \u0026amp; Identity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese beads are made from freshwater mussel shell, featuring a naturally occurring pink inner nacre layer alongside the more textured outer shell surface. This contrast between interior and exterior creates a subtle two-tone effect, ranging from soft blush pinks to muted pearly whites and earthy shell tones.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFormation \u0026amp; Science\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe colour and sheen in mussel shell comes from nacre (mother-of-pearl), a biomineral structure composed of aragonite (calcium carbonate) layered in microscopic sheets. Light interacts with these layers through structural interference, producing natural iridescence and soft colour variation rather than pigment-based colour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tumbling and polishing process smooths the shell surface while preserving the internal nacre structure, enhancing its natural light reflection and organic colour variation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Natural Context\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFreshwater mussels are part of New Zealand’s native aquatic ecosystems and are closely tied to river health, as they thrive in clean, oxygen-rich water systems. Their shells are widely used in contemporary craft, jewellery making, and decorative arts due to their natural colour variation and durability when properly prepared.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCraft \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese beads are suitable for:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* jewellery making (necklaces, earrings, bracelets)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* mixed media and resin art\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* decorative craft projects\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* home décor and textile embellishment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach set of 20 contains naturally varied shapes and iridescence, making every batch visually unique while maintaining consistent usability for creative work.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kerrie Owens Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56943154790778,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/7861\/6636\/files\/IMG_9685.webp?v=1780509332","url":"https:\/\/kerrieowensarts.co.uk\/products\/new-zealand-top-drilled-tumbled-pink-fresh-water-mussel-shell","provider":"Kerrie Owens Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}