Reflecting on the past 12 months, we are intrigued once more by the ongoing fascination for shells and shell products that keeps driving us and our clients alike. There is something about it, whether it relates to those childhood days, collecting shells from the beach, or the fact that every piece of shell, shell veneer or any creation with shell components, boasts a very unique beauty.

If you often stop to look deeper at the unexpected iridescence in a shell fragment, a shell veneer inlay, or the latest polished Paua shell you have received, you are not alone...we do this almost every day at work!

As a recap of another year, we would like to share some of the creations that we came across, involving all sorts of Abalone and Mother of Pearl accents. We haven't featured all of them, as they are so many, but hopefully it will be worth a few minutes of your time, as a reminder of why we are involved in this industry.

Traditional Shell Mosaic Work is Still Alive and Well

The Mother of Pearl Trade goes back thousands of years, except for the New Zealand Abalone Paua, which only became known when the first humans settled in New Zealand, circa 1000 years ago. Ancient Mosaic work today is further enriched by blue Paua Pieces. Mosaic fragments are still hand-cut directly from the shell and carefully placed in this giant iridescent puzzle.

India & The Middle East Still Have a Flourishing Creativity for Furniture Mosaics

Similar Inspiration in Indian Bed-Set

More Traditional Ornate Style in A Dubai Shop - 2022

Shell Pieces as Created by Nature

Sometimes it is not necessary to reshape the shell pieces, as the work of nature can be integrated to your art, the way you found it...

Satin Tumbles Shell Pieces Have Undergone Little Transformation

We use 'tumblers' to essentially replicate the work of the ocean, but in a very accelerated way, and a secret recipe to enhance the satin shine!

With a Bit of Flattening, Shell Pieces are a valuable part of Indigenous Jewelry

Recycled Wood & Candles with Paua Pieces & Have Been A Real Thing This Year

More Affordable and Versatile Creations with the Advent of Shell Veneers

As the creators of the ancient art of Najeong Chigli, photos below, Koreans were the logical inventors of mother of pearl veneers, the making of which is described in this blog post. With the sheets being flat and 0.25 to 0.4mm thick, shell veneer inlays draw from the beauty of Najeong art, but without the need of such minutious dexterity.

From That Point, With the Help of Laser Cutting Technology, Anything Became Possible

 

Did You Know? You Can do Creative Flatbed Printing on Paua Shell Veneer!

Even photos can be flatbed printed on White Mother of Pearl surface. The shell's iridescence in the background adds depth to the image.

But Remember, You Can Just Use the Shells as Natural Polished

If You Only Have a Few Paua Chips Left, Wall Art Might Be Your Next Project!