Mabe Pearls

Mabe pearls are a type of freshwater pearl. They are cultured by gluing a half-bead nucleus against the inside of a mollusk's shell. When the hemispherical nucleus is covered in nacre, it is cut out. The hole in the nucleus is filled and the pearl is backed with mother-of-pearl. They are produced in sizes ranging from 10 mm to 17 mm in diameter.

Mabe pearls are not as durable as other types of pearls. Over time, the nacre coating might lift off, become damaged, or discolored.