Paua Shell Information:

Paua Shell FAQs:

Paua shells are unique to New Zealand. The group comes from the worldwide family Haliotidae, which contains nearly 130 species from oceans in both tropical and temperate zones. These shellfish have been used for food since ancient times and have figured largely in the diet of coastal Maori. Most countries have their own local names, Abalone (North America), Ormer (Guernsey), Mutton Fish (Australia and early NZ) and Awabi (Japan) being some of the best known.

Paua is the most colorful shell in the world, other abalone have some color, but not the brilliance of Paua.

Paua shellfish are black and the interior of the shell has cloudy waves of rainbow colors with blues and green being dominant. The shells were used by the Maori to add a gleam of life to the eyes in their carved figures. Paua is often dyed with bright colors to enhance its natural beauty. Paua, both dyed and undyed, is generally coated with epoxy to protect the fragile gem.

Avoid knocking or scraping jewelry set with natural paua. It is not advisable to wear your paua jewelry when playing sport, gardening and performing household tasks like washing dishes and showering.

Natural paua can be cleaned with a soft cloth. They can be wiped with a damp soft cloth but should not be soaked.

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