Frequently Asked Questions
What is abalone?
A type of sea snail, the abalone is related to the clam and the oyster. Known for their flat, one-sided shells that are shaped like ears and the strong muscular feet that they use to cling to rocks near the beach shore, the abalone is a favorite meal for any animal strong or smart enough to harvest them. Native American cultures, particularly on the west coast of the US, used the abalone for not just food but also for jewelry thanks the abalone sea shell and its striking natural mother-of-pearl outside.
What are abalone’s spiritual properties?
Abalone shells are highly resonant with both the elements of water and of earth, as the abalone itself is a creature of both worlds. This dual nature is clear when you examine any of the shells you may find; large or small, the outside of these shells are rough and sandy-colored and often blend into the beach. Meanwhile, turning one of these shells over reveals the sparkling interior, resplendent in marine blues and greens, that is so prized both as a component in jewelry and also for spiritual practice.
What is an abalone shell used for?
As the philosophy of many tribes of Native Americans was to use every part of the natural world, large abalone shells were not discarded after eating the abalone and were instead cleaned and polished. These shells were then used in jewelry, as currency, and also to use a polished abalone shell as a sage smudge vessel. Today, the tradition of using these shells as vessels for spiritual practice lives on, as well as does using them in jewelry.
Is abalone illegal?
The abalone has become critically endangered due to over-harvesting and poaching, and that means it’s no longer legal to harvest abalone from the ocean for their shells. However, all of our shells are sourced both legally and ethically; With its low environmental footprint and relatively high productivity, farmed abalone is emerging as a sustainable local seafood option. Originating in Mexico, our shells are a byproduct of this sustainable food source.
Fair and ethically
traded products
traded products
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Providing a connection to the sacred
arts of indigenous communities
arts of indigenous communities
- Consciously serving our community for over 22 years with integrity and passion Learn More...
Living in harmoney with each other
and our earth
and our earth
- Reducing our use of resources with Earth conscious shipping and packaging practices Learn More...
Fair and ethically traded products. Learn More
- Offering authentic, sustainable products that support artisans, their families, and indigenous ways Learn More...
Providing a connection to the sacred arts of indigenous communities. Learn More
- Consciously serving our community for over 22 years with integrity and passion Learn More...
Living in harmoney with each other and our earth. Learn More
- Reducing our use of resources with Earth conscious shipping and packaging practices Learn More...