I wrote a little article many years ago..and after being asked about the type of pearl we use in the Marissa Peacock Blue earring..I thought I’d like to share it
The mabe or blister pearl is an ancient method of pearl harvesting. The stunning effect created, looks like half a huge pearl. However it is a blister created by the oyster with the help of man (cultured pearling). To form a Mabe or blister pearl, a small base usually a dome or in some instances, tiny figures like the little Buddhas seen below, are placed delicately on the shell of the oyster or muscle or mollusk, rather than within the flesh, as with most spherical pearls. The irritation acts exactly the same as that of the creation of solid pearl. The intruder soon gathers nacre in many layers, (pearl surface). The created nacre looks like a blister. The blisters are painstakingly removed and again delicately placed over a resin support. This cultured pearl dome or Buddha is then backed with a mother of pearl sheath. Voila the Mabe is BORN!
http://mybridaljewellery.com/showcase/earrings/bezel-sets/marissa-e700mgp-04/
