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What is Paua ? Unique to New Zealand  Paua is a species of abalone (Haliotis Iris) It is only found in the sea around New Zealand. This marine mollusk eats seaweed and lives clinging to rocks at depths of 1-10 meters, normally along the shoreline. Paua Shell is the most colorful of all the abalone shells. Most other abalone are pale in comparison.  The Most Colorful Shell There is no other shell in the world that has the color like Paua Shell color that varies from greens & pinks to purples & blues and even some shells with gold or crimson tonings. Iridescent Color The color in the paua shell changes when viewed at different angles. This iridescence, similar to that of Mother of Pearl shell, but far more brilliant, is what makes paua shell so amazing as a gem material for use in jewellery. It is truly one of nature's marvels. Each shell is different in it's color tonings, and in the patterns within the shell. The black patterns in the shell come from layers of protein that are laid down between the layers of calcium that make up the shell. The brilliant colors are from light being refracted within the crystal layers. The same effect that the iridescent color found in Opals.  Environmentally Sound The paua fishery is properly managed is a sustainable way. There is a quota management system and strictly enforced regulations controlling the size of paua taken. The paua divers can only free-dive to pry paua off the rocks. The use of air tanks is prohibited. So although paua stocks have been depleted, the sustainability of this natural resource appears ensured. The shell is a byproduct of catching paua for their meat. By purchasing a piece of paua shell jewellery you are increasing the value of this resource and helping ensure that it continues to be a managed in a sustainable way.  A Treasured Delicacy Paua meat is a traditional delicacy for the Maori. Essential for a good wedding feast or celebration. Although it is harder to find that it used to be, most New Zealanders would rate paua up there with oysters as their preferred shellfish. These days most paua meat is exported to Asia, where abalone has always been regarded as one of the supreme delicacies.  A Traditional Taonga Paua shell was traditionally used by Maori to illuminate the eyes of their carving and artwork. The reddish colored shell were most prized for depicting the flashing red eyes of the warrior. The use of paua shell in all manner of jewellery and sculpture has become a distinctive feature of New Zealand artwork. Join our eMail List Wholesale Buyers 1st Time Buyers About Us Site Map New Beads > Stone Type:  A to J < ------------------------ ->Amazonite ->AMBER ->Amethyst ->Amitrine ->Apatite ->Aquamarine ->Arizona Turquoise ->Aventurine ->Blue Chalcedony ->Blue Topaz ->Carnellion ->Chrysophrase ->Citrine ->Copper ->Coral ->EMERALDS ->Endulasite ->Florite ->Flower Jade ->Garnet ->Goldstone ->Green Garnet ->Hematite ->Hessonite Garnet ->Iolite ->Jade ------------------------- © 2007 eBeadShop > Stone Type:  L to Z < ------------------------ ->Labradorite ->Lapis Lazuli ->Lemon Topaz ->Malachite ->Mexican Chalcidony ->Mexican Fire Opal ->Mother of Pearl ->Multicolored ->Onyx ->Peridot ->Peruvian Opal ->Pink Chalcedony ->Plain Moonstone ->Purple Light ->Quartz Crystals ->Rainbow Moonstone ->Rhodochrosite ->Rose Quartz ->RUBY ->SAPPHIRE ->Smoky Quartz ->Sodalite ->SPINEL ->Strawberry Quartz ->Sunstone ->TANZANITE ->Tiger Eye ->Tourmaline ->Vesonite ->Yellow Turquoise ------------------------- © 2007 eBeadShop >> Shop By Stone Shape < -------------------------- ++ Bicone ++ Briollets ++ Carved Beads ++ Cross ++ Cubes ++ Diamond ++ Disks ++ Drops ++ Emerald Cut ++ Facetted Beads ++ Facetted Coins ++ Facetted Nuggets ++ Gemstone Beads Shape ++ Hearts ++ Irregular Shape ++ Leaf Beads ++ Nuggets ++ Oval Beads ++ Rectangular ++ Round Beads ++ Roundell Beads ++ Seed Beads ++ Stick ++ Square ++ Triangle Beads ++ Tube ----------------------- © 2007 eBeadShop > Freshwater Pearls ------------------------ >>Freshwater Pearls ---------Color------------- ->BRONZE ->COPPER ->GREY ->Irregular ->PEACH ->PINK ->SILVER ->WHITE ---------Shape------------- ->Almost Round ->Button ->Coin ->Floating ->Oval ->Potato ->RICE ->Round ->Roundell ->Side Drilled ->Stick ------------------------- © 2007 eBeadShop PRECIOUS Gemstone  BEADS GEMSTONE  BEADS FRESHWATER PEARLS SILVER Beads AMBER Beads COPPER Beads Swarovski Crystal Beads Vermeil Beads Shell Pearls Mother of Pearls Paua Shell Seed Beads   eMail: info@eBeadShop.com                Phone: 770-696-5321                FAX: 770-696-5331