Picture yourself on a sunny beach. The salty breeze flows through your hair as you notice the beautiful colors of the ocean and sun blend together like a kaleidoscope.

Now, imagine all of these ethereal elements captured in one beautiful shell—abalone. At Dune, we have several abalone jewelry designs each as uniquely iridescent as the other. 

Abalone isn’t just a gorgeous shell, it also holds cultural and spiritual significance. Let’s get into it.

Product shot of wrist wearing three of Dune Jewelry's Abalone Gradient designs, including the Bayview Cuff Bracelet.
The Marina Bracelet and Bayview Cuff Bracelet in sterling silver.

History And Origins of Abalone

Treasured by Native American tribes like the Chumash and the Ohlone, Abalone holds a deep-rooted significance spanning centuries. Revered worldwide for both its culinary and ornamental value, its importance is evident in archaeological discoveries from South Africa’s Blombos Cave to ancient Chinese deposits on California’s Northern Channel Islands.

Did you know? There are at least 56 varieties of abalone shell worldwide.

Metaphysical Properties: Symbolism of the Sea

Abalone, also known as “sea opal” or “mermaid’s treasure,” holds rich cultural significance across various civilizations. Revered by indigenous coastal communities, Abalone shell is believed to carry the energy of the ocean, offering protection and strength to those who wear it.

In Native American folklore, abalone represents prosperity, while in Maori tradition, it symbolizes peace, fertility, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. This large shell is also used for smudging, or burning herbs for sacred ceremony, in Native American culture.

Its symbolism doesn’t stop there. It is believed to enhance intuition, promote emotional healing, and foster a deep connection to the sea. As a stone of the heart, abalone encourages love, harmony and balance, inviting wearers to dive into the depths of their emotions with courage and compassion.

Product shot of the Abalone Gradient Marina bracelet in gold, and other bracelets.
Our Marina Bracelet in Gold with an Abalone Gradient.

The iridescent surface of this shell reflects the ever-changing nature of life, reminding us to embrace transformation.

From the majestic red abalone off California’s coast to the captivating multicolor variety, each shell narrates a tale of endurance and survival under the forceful waves of life.

All of this symbolism inspires the personalized designs we make at Dune Jewelry.

Adding It To Your Favorite Dune Design

Here at Dune, we love handcrafting designs using Abalone Shell, and almost every one of our Sand Artists agrees Abalone is a must-have for your next element choice. With Abalone, the bigger the setting or the design, the better the iridescence.

We recommend The Marina Necklace, The Bayview Cuff Bracelet or the Sterling Travel Tag to really show off Abalone’s opalescence. If you’re looking to pair Abalone with another Element, our Abalone Gradient jewelry allows you to choose your own element in our Signature handcrafting technique. 

Product shot of Dune Jewelry's sterlings ilver large chain The Mediterranean Necklace with Abalone Shell Gradient.
The Mediterranean Necklace with Abalone Shell Gradient.

Discover Your Piece of the Ocean

Embrace the magic of abalone and explore our collection of customizable designs at Dune Jewelry. From beach sand pendants to coastal cuff bracelets, each piece offers a canvas for your unique story, infused with the luminous energy of the abalone shell.

Dive deep and let the sea be your guide as you dress yourself with the treasures of the ocean.

How to Wear And Care for Abalone

Abalone jewelry is best maintained out of direct sunlight and cleaned with warm water and our non-toxic Foaming Jewelry Cleaner. Wear it with a casual outfit or an elegant dress – it truly goes with anything.

Ready to get your hands on your very own design featuring this stunning shell? Shop Dune Jewelry.