The Radiant Beauty of New Zealand's Paua Shells

The Paua: A Gem from the Sea

Paua shells, exclusive to New Zealand, are a small subset of the Haliotidae family, which boasts nearly 130 species across tropical and temperate ocean zones. These mollusks have been a staple in the diet of coastal Māori communities for centuries and are known by various names globally, such as Abalone in North America, Ormer in Guernsey, Mutton Fish in Australia, and Awabi in Japan.

The Paua shell is renowned for its extraordinary coloration, surpassing other abalone species in vibrancy. The interior of the shell features a kaleidoscope of rainbow hues, predominantly in blues and greens, which has historically been used by Māori artisans to add a lifelike quality to the eyes in their carvings. Today, these shells are crafted into exquisite jewelry and gifts.

Types of Paua Shells

There are three main types of Paua:

Haliotis Iris (Paua)

• Appearance: The largest and most common species, with a black exterior and a shell interior displaying waves of iridescent colors.
• Uses: Traditionally used in Māori carvings; now popular for jewelry and decorative items.

Haliotis Australis (Silver Paua)

• Appearance: A smaller species with a distinctive silvery sheen inside and cross ridging outside. The living creature has a yellowish hue.
• Habitat: Coexists with Haliotis Iris but is less common.

Haliotis Virginea (Virgin Paua)

• Appearance: A smaller and rarer shell with two subspecies, one from the southern regions and one from the north, both featuring intense colors.
• Habitat: Not often seen alive, this species is a collector's delight due to its rarity and beauty.

Paua are marine monovalve mollusks that graze on seaweed and adhere to rocks in shallow waters, typically between 1 and 10 meters deep. They are predominantly found along New Zealand's rocky coastlines, with the most vibrant and sizable specimens hailing from the chilly waters around Stewart Island and Southland, making them ideal for jewelry due to their enhanced color quality.

The shells' holes serve as conduits for breathing and reproduction. Starfish are the Paua's primary predators, as they can suffocate the Paua by covering these holes, forcing the mollusk to release its grip on the rocks.

Sustainable Harvesting of Paua

New Zealand enforces environmentally responsible and sustainable management practices for Paua fisheries. A strict quota system regulates the harvest by both commercial and recreational fishers, prohibiting the use of compressed air diving for quota fulfillment. All collected Paua must meet a minimum size requirement of 125mm (5 inches), with severe penalties for those caught with undersized shells.

The Art of Cleaning Paua Shells

Not all Paua shells can withstand the cleaning process without damage; some may be too fragile and prone to cracking. It is important to note that the use of acid for cleaning is strongly discouraged due to the potential harm to the shell.

In professional settings, diamond wheels are employed to gently remove the lime from the shells. For those without access to such equipment, a progression from coarse (around 150 grit) to fine (about 600 grit) sandpaper is recommended, using wet and dry paper with ample water to minimize dust. This process can take a couple of hours per shell and requires significant effort. For a high-gloss finish, a buffing wheel with rouge, available at hardware stores, can be used.

The Paua shell's journey from the ocean depths to a polished piece of art or jewelry is a testament to New Zealand's rich natural heritage and commitment to conservation. As these shells continue to captivate with their natural splendor, they serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between utilizing and protecting our planet's resources.