This is one of those rare shells that produce pearls. This listing is for one single shell, half of the oyster, so you can see both the lustrous iridescent polished exterior and the mother of pearl, nacreous interior.
Pearls form when a small particle enters into the oyster and nacre is released by the oyster to coat the particle or object, eventually creating a small pearl. The particle might be a grain of sand, organic material, or even a parasite. The oyster's release of the nacre serves as an adaptation of the immune system to isolate the invasive particle. This type of shell also in particular produces gray or black pearls.
These typically measure from 10cm by 8cm. Colours and sizes will vary; these are natural shells and the photograph is of a typical example, not the shell you will receive. If you have any particular requests in terms of colour or size, please pop them in the notes - we’ll do our best to find the shell that comes closest to what you want!
Black lip oyster pearl shell
All the shells we sell in our shop are real and they are from abundant and sustainable sources. The vast majority of these shells are a by product of the food industry, even the really tiny ones (used to make soups!).
Our suppliers are a socially responsible organisation in the Philippines, paying a fair daily wage, who do not export any current endangered species of any sort. We do not stock items taken solely for decorative purposes such as seahorses, puffer fish, etc.
All the shells are natural; they’ve just been cleaned and, in some cases, polished and occasionally carved or acid-etched. Isn’t nature amazing!
This is a standard item at £4.99 postage and packing.
We make every effort to dispatch items within three working days and aim for UK delivery within seven days of receiving your order.
If you order from other categories the highest rate of postage will be applied to all of your order. Standard UK delivery is £4.99, £3.99 for prints, £2.99 for small items, £1.99 for greetings cards and £9.99 for bulky items. Free delivery over £100.
Our full Shipping Policy, and EU shipping rates, appear on the Checkout page.
Grotto Pickup is available - normally ready in 2 business days. Please wait for email notification before collecting your order, and bring your order number and ID with you. Our opening hours will be detailed on your email.