ABALONE - An astounding shell with a touch of class

Abalone is an organic gemstone, much like pearls and mother of pearl. The gorgeous  shimmering  sea  shell  is known for its iridescence and unique, vivid color palette. The gemstone has been used in jewelry for thousands of years and continues to be popular in contemporary jewellery.  Affordable,  elegant and stylish, the Abalone exudes a touch of class. The colorful shell that exudes the beautiful colours of the sea.Usually, Abalone is found off the coasts of South America New Zealand,  South Pacific,  Japan and China.

Abalone is a type of marine snail, also known as a marine gastropod mollusc. It’s known by many names, including Paua (Maori name for the shell) and ormer shell (UK term), as well as some not so glamorous names like sea ears, muttonfish and ear shells. Abalone is also  a source of mother of pearl and can sometimes yield pearls as well. These, however, are very rare and only a very small percentage of abalone will create pearls.

Unfortunately, due to overexploitation and increasing acidification of the oceans, numbers of abalone in the wild has drastically decreased. As a result, it’s illegal to collect abalone from oceans. Most abalone used in jewellery and food consumption (Yes, the  mollusc is  a much sought after food item!) today comes from farmed sources. When the abalone  is harvested, it is covered in barnacles and other growth,  and hence it’s easy to dismiss an abalone shell as sea trash. However, when polished, the iridescent colours of the abalone emerge in stunning shades and hues of blue, green and purple.

Abalone has been a valued shell by many cultures around the world, including Native Americans and the Maori of New Zealand.The shell is believed to hold healing properties and enhances emotional balance and harmony.

Holding an abalone shell or wearing jewellery made from this shell is thought to enhance peace, relaxation, tranquillity and soothing of the mind. It’s perfect to relieve stress and is a good gemstone to have during stressful times. In many cultures, abalone represents water and its cleansing properties. It’s able to put out the fires of emotional and mental stress.

Abalone is lined with mother of pearl, which is believed to enhance creativity, intuition, imagination and mental clarity. It is believed to connect a person to the highest chakras.Like other sources of vibrational healing from nature, Abalone Shells have a strong elemental bond with the Earth and its healing capabilities. Abalone is closely connected to that of the Water element and the vibrations of that enhances the four Cs: Communication, Cooperation, Commitment and Compromise, which lead to harmony and balance.

Abalone shell has been used in jewelry making and religious spiritual ceremonies for countless ages. It is also known as “The Sea Ears” because of its flattened, oval shape with iridescent interior. It was used by Native Northwest American Indians for cleansing, offerings and prayers.  On an intuitive level, Abalone helps to stimulate psychic development and intuition while promoting the power of imagination. It has a soothing vibration that can help calm emotions during deep healing and will emotionally support the growth of Self.

Physically, Abalone can heal the body within the chakras but resonates most with the Third Eye/Pituitary, Heart and Solar Plexus chakras. Within the Third Eye chakra, it will stimulate psychic intuition. Within the Heart chakra it will help to gently clear and release emotions of fear, sorrow or any other negative feelings held. Within the Solar Plexus, it will use the power of nature to re-instill the 'Power of Self'.

Abalone shell enhances expression, in both word and deed. It allows us to understand both sides of any issue by  enabling us  place ourselves in the other person’s position. Abalone will help with anxiety and stress related issues in high strung individuals. It will also help with relief with arthritis, joint disorders, muscular problems, the heart and the digestive system. It is very helpful for athletes that would like to help build and protect healthy muscle tissue while strengthening the heart muscles. Abalone shells strengthen the immune system, energize the body and aid in the assimilation of proteins.

♥Key Signature Essences: peace, beauty, compassion, love, calming, communication, cooperation, commitment, compromise, harmony, balance and intuition                                                            

♥Energy Centers/Chakras in the body:   Solar Plexus/Spleen –Third energy centre/chakra, Heart - Fourthenergy centre /chakra, Throat - Fifthenergy center/chakra

How to care for Abalone jewellery

It is important to take adequate and appropriate care of your  Abalone jewellery to ensure it stays luminous . Such care will increase the durability and wearability of this durable gemstone. 

• Avoid exposing the stone to direct sunlightor heat as this can cause the colours to fade.
• Clean Abalone jewellery only with a  mild soap and warm water along with a soft cloth to remove any body oils, dirt and grime build up.
• Avoid using any harsh chemicals, detergents, baking soda, ammonia or other abrasive products when cleaning abalone jewellery. This can scratch the surface of the gemstone and damage the nacre.
• Wear Abalone jewellery frequentlyto ensure it retains its natural shine, as the natural body oil from your skin will help the gemstone maintain its shine. However,when taking off your abalone jewellery, give it a quick wipe with a clean lint-free cloth or chamois leather  to remove any residue on the piece.
• Remove your Abalone jewellerywhen engaging in water related or vigorous activities, like swimming in chlorinated pools, gardening, cleaning or playing sports.
• Always store Abalonejewellery separately in a soft fabric pouch or a fabric-lined box. This will keep it free from getting scratched by other harder objects