What Are Mabe Pearls and How Are They Formed??
Mabe pearls, additionally referred to as blister pearls, are half-pearls that might be cultivated at the interior of a mollusk’s shell. A small nucleus generally constituted of a mother of pearl, is connected to the shell of the mollusk and left to build up nacre over a length that generally runs approximately 3 years.
The primary distinguishing features of Mabe Pearls when compared with other pearls is their formation and shape. It’s what sets Mabe’s apart from other gemstones. Mabe Pearls are usually cultivated using the species of oyster “Pteria Sterna” or “Pinctada Maxima” due to the Mabe’s size and unique luster.
The cultivation process begins by attaching a nucleus to the inner shell of the oyster, and the mother oyster will wrap the nucleus with so many fine layers of nacre over time. Sometimes, irritants are also used and attached to the mantle tissue of the mollusk. This causes the mollusk to continually secrete nacre at an increased rate in order to “mend” the area where the irritant was placed.
A Mabe Pearl is thought of as fully matured when the resulting pearl achieves a hemispherical dome shape, as opposed to the more standard spherical formation. The Mabe’s are then removed from the mother oyster and collected for examination and grading.
Mabe Pearls. One of Pearl Jewelry’s Latest Arrivals
Throughout history, pearl farmers have been steadily improving techniques to cultivate pearls to keep up with the demands of artisans, designers, and jewelers. It wasn’t until the late 19th Century when 100% fully sustainable cultivation techniques were finally brought to light in Ise Shima Japan.
As the new pearl cultivation techniques were shared from Ise Shima Japan, globally pearl farmers began to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of how all pearls are formed. One of the many results of these cultivation techniques gave birth to what we call “Mabe Pearls” or more commonly referred to as “blister pearls.” It was in the warmer South Pacific Oceans where Mabe Pearl cultivation techniques became fully developed.
Guide to Care and Cleaning of Your Mabe Pearl Jewelry
With proper care and cleaning, your Mabe pearl jewelry will last multiple lifetimes. Mabe pearls are just like any other precious gemstone. Below are concise and easy care instructions for your Mabe pearls and other pearl jewelry:
- Clean your Mabe pearls with a soft cloth after every use. Doing so helps prevent any accumulation of oils, dirt or other substances from building up on their surfaces.
- Properly dry them before storing. This helps preserve the integrity of your Mabe Pearls, prevents moisture buildup as well as helps preserve the other materials used in your jewelry. As with all jewelry, It is important to keep your jewelry dry but not in an air-tight or too dry container. Pearls are born in nature and they like to stay dry and also breathe a little, as in a jewelry box.
- If you think your Mabe’s require a check up, bring them to your preferred jeweler. Your jeweler will know what might be wrong with your jewelry and prized gemstones, especially your Mabe Pearls.
- Dedicate a space just for your pearls and store them flat. This helps them avoid bumping into other gemstones and jewelry that may cause nicks, scratches and other surface damage.
- Put your pearl jewelry on last. It is important to finish your makeup and set your looks first, as hairsprays and makeup have chemicals or substances that might damage your pearls.. Make sure to clean your hands after you are done fixing your outfit before putting on your pearls.
Benefits of Owning Mabe Pearl Jewelry
Mabe Pearls are definitely unique and eye-catching compared to other pearls. They gained most popular for use with pendants and earrings. Makes great ensemble pieces and is just as popular as any gemstone. While Mabe Pearls tend to be more closely associated with traditional styles and oriental themes, Mabe Pearl enthusiasts who are looking to expand their collections find Mabe’s a welcome addition pretty much any day of the week
Pearl FALCO’s Mabe Pearl Collections
Showing 1–8 of 13 results
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White Mabe Pearl Gold Earrings (E5)
$2,750 -
South Sea Black Pearl Platinum Diamond Ring (R19)
$11,660 -
Rainbow Mabe Pearl Gold Earrings (E203)
$3,190 -
Rainbow Mabe Pearl Gold Diamond Pendant (P202)
$1,650 -
Rainbow Mabe White Akoya Pearl Silver Pendant (P208)
$1,320 -
White Mabe Pearl White Gold Diamond Pendant (P214)
$2,600 -
White Mabe Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant (P222)
$880 -
Blue Rainbow Mabe Pearl White Gold Diamond Pendant (P223)
$1,210
Why Should You Consider Buying Mabe Pearls?
Perfectly suitable as heirloom pieces because of their value and austere aesthetics, Mabe Pearls are such a wonderfully unique pearl formation. Mabe pearls’ inclusion in jewelry designs create some of the finest and classic works that complement not only more traditional fashion, but modern styles as well. Mabe’s are elegant and are easy to pair with practically any outfit and are flexible enough for virtually any occasion, whether it be a formal celebration, or just a casual get together.