Behind the Jewelry: The Abalone Shell

I could get all technical and tell you that the abalone are marine gastropod mollusks, but really, they're just sea snails. Funny snails with gorgeous, oval shells. The shape, color and even number of holes in the shell depends on the species and the region of the abalone. And the vastness of the colors... the combinations nature dreams up are so much more complex and sophisticated than any human could ever dream up!

I've worked with shell of the abalone for years, in both my jewelry and my home lighting and decor. What I never realized was the animal was actually single shelled. I would have sworn it was more like a clam or scallop with the double shell protection. Who knew?!

While doing the research for this post I came across some incredible images of these beauties out in the wild that I just had to share with you...

While the shells are the physical manifestation of the animal that we get to touch and enjoy for years, the 'body' of the animal is just as beautiful in such an ethereal and fleeting way. One that makes the shell even more precious for the knowledge of what unique and fragile creatures once claimed shelter from it.