Paua is the species of abalone shell (haliotis iris) found only in the cold waters of southern New Zealand. The coloring varies from shell to shell and has an amazing iridescence. The lighting in the photo above does not do justice to the array of colors found in these pieces. The pieces vary in size and shape and come from shells that have been double tumbled. Please note that there will be some degree of broken or chipped shells. If you only need a small quantity, our Packaged Paua Shells may be an alternative.

The government of New Zealand strictly controls the harvesting of abalone for food. The shells are a natural by-product.

There are many uses for the tumbled pieces. They are great for inlay work. They can be put in the bottom of an aquarium or fountain for decoration. They can be used for jewelry. Some pieces have the natural holes found on the edge of the shell and are nice on jewelry or leather bags. You will need to drill the shell under water.  Do not breathe shell dust. This is very hard on your lungs.

We grade the double-tumbled paua shell pieces into five categories.

Small Pieces - These are an assortment of pieces ranging from about 1/8" up to about 1" in diameter.  There are a few hundred pieces per pound.

Medium Main Shell Pieces - Solid body pieces. Usually some degree of mild curvature. Sizes range from about 1" to 2.5" (2.5-6.4 cm). In a random sample, we had 79 pieces in one pound (giving an average cost of US$0.99 each).

Spikes - Edge pieces that are about 1/8 to 1/4" (0.32-0.64 cm) in diameter and are anywhere from 1" to about 4" long (2.5-10 cm). In a random sample, we had 142 pieces in one pound (giving an average cost of US$0.65 each).

Fans - Edge pieces similar to the spikes, but have part of the thinner main body shell pieces extending from the spike.  Sizes range from 1" to 3" (2.5-7.6 cm) long and usually part of the piece will be 1/2" to 1" wide (1.3-2.5 cm). In a random sample, we had 61 pieces in one pound (giving an average cost of US$1.51 each).

Premium These are larger pieces, usually 2" to 4" (5-10 cm) from the main body of the shell and have larger patches of coloration.  Some medium size pieces with exceptional color are upgrade into this category.  In a random sample, we had 53 pieces in one pound (giving an average cost of US$2.23 each).

Shipping Notes and Quality Issues

1) You do not have to order a full pound of tumbled pieces, but can order 1/4 pound, 1/2 pound or 3/4 pound if desired.

2) Please note that we are offering tumbled pieces of paua. Some pieces will be very nicely tumbled and polished. Some will have rougher edges. Some quantity will have chips or be broken. We are not selling the paua as flawless, individually packaged pieces. We have many satisfied customers for this grade of paua. If, however, you are not pleased with what you received, please call us and send back 100% of the shell; we cannot accept partial returns on this product. We do not allow customers to high-grade or cherry-pick the pieces and send the rest back. If you have any questions, please call us or write us.

Genus and species: Haliotis iris. Wild.

Product of New Zealand

Click on above pictures for larger view.

Please see our full listing of Paua Shell Products.

We also offer Packaged Paua Shell Pieces.