Mabe Pearls: cost-effective jumbo size pearl jewelry

Mabe pearl size starts at 10 mm and can be as large as 20 mm

Pictured below is a black tahitian cultured mabe pearl blister
set in a 14K brooch. Note the iridescence, orient and play of colors - all natural. The pearl is one piece with a blister pearl in the middle.



Mabe  (sometimes spelled mobe) pearls are flat bottomed and are always mounted in rings or earrings. Mabe pearls are grown in different shapes. Pictured below are a pair of pair-shape white mabe cultured pearl and diamond earrings.

Mabe pearls are assembled pearls, produced by the oyster
Pteria penguin. Usually half-round shape, these fragile pearls are created by filling a hollow blister and backing it with mother-of-pearl. Pictured below is a pair of heart -shape mabe cultured pearl earrings trimmed in 14K gold braid.



Pictured below is a rectangular mabe pearl set in a 14K gold ring.



Watch out for mabe pearls with plastic backings.
If the mabe is mounted in a ring, earrings, or brooch, it is almost impossible to see the backing. But usually these less-quality mabes have thin nacre and thus low luster.

Submitted by
Judith Isaacson
GIA Pearl Gemologist

Maurice Goldman  Fine & Estate Jewelry