An approximately 38 cm strand of small freshwater mother-of-pearl beads, in natural tones of ivory, sand, and café au lait. Each bead has its own brown veining and a light satin luster, giving the strand the soft, lively look of polished driftwood.
Features:
- Material: natural freshwater mother-of-pearl (shell)
- Shape: rondelle
- Size: approximately 4.5 mm in diameter
- Thickness: approximately 3.5 mm
- Hole: approximately 0.8 mm
- Thread length: approximately 38 cm
- Quantity: approximately 111 beads per thread
- Color: ivory, beige, and brown, variegated
These rondelles are ideal for stacked bracelets, boho-style necklaces, spacers between stone beads, and lightweight earrings. Their sandy tones pair beautifully with gold, wood, tourmaline, or jasper. For a smaller quantity, these same beads are available in a lot of 20.
The material: mother-of-pearl is not a stone but an organic material, secreted by the mollusk to line the inside of its shell. It is made of tiny aragonite platelets, a calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), bound by a protein, conchiolin, and stacked like bricks in a wall. It is this structure that produces its iridescence and the depth of its shine. These beads are cut from freshwater mussel shells, whose natural tones range from ivory to café au lait, veined with brown. Its hardness is modest, 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale, with a density of about 2.7.
Good to know: like all calcareous materials, mother-of-pearl is sensitive to acids, perfume, hairspray, and cleaning products. Put on your jewelry after applying perfume and simply wipe it with a soft cloth.
Symbolism: linked to water and the moon in many cultures, mother-of-pearl is traditionally associated with softness, protection, and calm.
The thread you will receive: the photos and video show a thread from the lot your order comes from. Shade, veining, and nuances are therefore representative of what you will receive; as each piece of mother-of-pearl is natural, slight variations from one bead to another are part of its character.
100% natural product: size, shape, shade, and number of beads may vary slightly from one thread to another. Dimensions and quantities are given for guidance only.