WHAT ARE BLISTER OR MABE PEARLS?
Also called blister pearls or half-pearls, Mabe pearls are grown against the inside of the oyster’s shell, rather than within its tissue. These pearls typically have a hemispherical shape with a flat back. While the pearl is still in the oyster, it is called a blister pearl. After reworking, it is referred to as a Mabe pearl.
Small blister pearls are commonly found in nature, and therefore not very expensive, except when they are produced by certain rare mollusc species. Mabe pearls are beautiful, making them attractive in jewelry. They come in a wide range of vibrant and exotic colours, ranging from light pink to bluish shades with hues that gleam rainbow-like. Pink Mabe pearls with golden swirls are extremely rare.
How Blister Pearls Are Cultivated
Cultured blister pearls are nucleated with a hemispherical nucleus which is implanted against the oyster shell beneath the mantle tissue. Some pearl farmers even glue the nucleus onto the shell. The mollusc is returned to the water. The mollusk secretes layers of