A brief history of the art of mother of pearl mosaic and artistic inlay. From ancient civilizations to modern day artisans, and limitless possibilities brought by technology.
A quick summary of our blog posts for 2025 and links to their full reading.
The power of using shell products for your designs is partly because every separate piece is so unique, even when cut from the same shell.
Indigenous designs are the inspiration for modern New Zealand Made art and artisan giftware.
Over the past 30 years, Ocean Shell Limited, under the direction of Bruce and Richard Shields, have been the leading company in developing the Shell Trading in the Pacific. Ocean Shell are involve...
Italian phrase ‘Pietra Dura’ means hard stone, also called ‘pierre dure’ in French. The first workshop, originally specialized in hardstone carving, was created in Tuscany around 15...
A fully natural range of clothing, with a business model aiming to reduce the use of plastics.
A little-known genus with several species, the pink mussel is unfortunately in need of close protection.
Inspiring creations from our clients in 2024.
The Seashell industry, also known as Mother of Pearl Industry, is very 'niche', in fact it mainly relies on what could have been a waste product from the seafood and pearl industrie...
Indian Furniture Masters add their own style to the art of furniture inlay with White Mother Of Pearl.
A brief insight: the state of trochus fisheries and what is being done to protect them.
Seeking your thoughts on how important environmental and social governance are to you as a client when purchasing natural products.
Beyond the buzz word "Sustainability", what is the real meaning?
7 examples of innovative use of shell veneers for inlay, from solid wood inlay to canvas.
Meet a modern furniture inlay manufacturer in the Middle East, Artikkan LLC.
Exploring the spiritual meaning of Abalone shell and "Smudging Practices"
Quick journey into Mother of Pearl and Paua Jewelry
What is happening to abalone shells around the world. Quick view across the most prominent species.
A little help in how to choose when using Mother of Pearl for your project.
Because it is a waste product of the seafood industry, it makes sense to use mother of pearl products instead of synthetic.
Shell pieces are tumbled polished by the ocean, thus providing natural shapes, for Jewelry and Arts.
The most colourful Abalone in the world, Paua shells are regarded as 'Taonga'-treasured- by indigenous populations.
Sharing some creations from clients that have inspired us.
Shell Veneer Sheets have revolutionized inlay art. Learn more about their origins and applications.
Learn how a well-managed quota system can be the answer to overfishing.
What can be achieved with Paua and mother of pearl inlay techniques.
Where all the passionate gem people gather yearly.
An important read if you think shell veneer sheets might be fake!
The New Zealand model has so far been quite successful in protecting the Abalone Paua populations long term. Let's see what we are doing right and what could still be improved.
One of the great uses of New Zealand Abalone Paua Shell veneers: Fishing Lures.
News and history of Oceanshell Ltd and how it all started.
A quick definition of Paua Shell- Haliotis Iris.
How the main abalone species became part of the "Mother of Pearl" family
A simple guide to the main genus of "mother of pearl" species and what differentiates them.
