We usually see shucked abalone served on the table, but there’s more to the abalone than a luxury seafood that’s served during special occasions.

Found in the cold waters off New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the west coast of the United States, and South Africa, this marine creature has a shell that is clever at escaping predators, and has inspired science, art and much more.  

The team at ESC is happy to announce our new collection of abalone shell crescent necklaces, inspired by the raw beauty, natural coloration and unique properties of these shells. 

Abalone shells are known to be unusually strong. Scientists discovered that abalone shell is made up of microscopic tiles stacked like bricks that are held together by a clingy protein substance. The tiles slide over each other when the shell is hit, preventing the shell from shattering. Using this information, scientists are studying this to learn how to create stronger products such as body armour.

The abalone shells are so diverse in nature that no two shells exhibit same pattern or design. 

The colors that the abalone shell displays depends on the food that the mollusk eats. The beautiful effects on the abalone shells are also determined by the water current and the temperature of the water of where the abalone lives.

The inner lining of the shell is made up of nacre, which is the same element from which pearls are made of. The lining exhibits the colorful swirls and spirals shades of pink, indigo, green, blue, etc.

Shells are prized because of this inner, iridescent layer and the healing properties associated with it. 

Abalone identifies with the heartiness of the water, which helps the holder to carry the gentleness and beauty of the sea. By providing stillness in the emotions, it further holds love along with the compassion for the people around.

Every person on the ESC team has a different but special connection to nature, (just one of the reasons why we all work so well together!) and upon seeing the abalone shell, we fell in love with its uniqueness and luster and knew our customers would, too. 

Understanding the power that comes from natural elements such as abalone, and having the appreciation for Mother Nature, our abalone collection was clearly the next step in our ever-evolving jewelry line.  

What do you love most about abalone?

What other types of shells would you like to see as jewelry?