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Mussel Shell Nuclei
All nuclei are manufactured using only the best quality freshwater mussel shells.
Each shell is specially selected for colour and structure and only if they meet these criteria are they further processed.
Once the shells have been cut and cubed, they then enter the nuclei forming process. This consists of a series of stages
that takes the shell from cube to finished bead. Each process uses precision machinery to enable us to achieve
the exacting specifications set out by our technicians.
The finished nuclei is perfectly round and features a surface finish
and polish, unequaled. Our nuclei are the perfect basis for the production of beautiful pearls. We can supply
nuclei in various categories including: A White
- smooth, round, very little to no internal structure B White
- smooth, round, some internal structure 1st
Grade stain - smooth, round, ight to medium stain 2nd Grade stain - smooth, round, medium
to heavy stain
Standard sizes range from 5mm up to 18mm
but other sizes can be manufactured on request.
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Bironite
Many different nucleus materials have been used in pearling, both natural and synthetic, but shell material is
predominantly the material used for round pearls. With mussel shell stocks in decline, especially for the larger sizes required
for South Sea Pearl production, an alternative is required to cater for this need.
Nacre will grow on nearly any solid material; indeed plastics are used for mabe production. However
with round pearls where the nucleus remains, it must have a comparable coefficient of expansion to the nacre. Resins and plastic
have very high coefficients leading to flaking nacre with these nuclei. Bironite
is a natural dolomite that has been modified by a process to overcome these deficiencies. This raw material is carefully hand
chosen prior to entering the production phase. It is sourced from a special part of the world where it began its life as remnants
of shells and other marine organisms. Over time and after being subjected to the Earth’s pressures, this unique material
is transformed. It is the most stable carbonate material and sourced from a marine environment.
Bironite, after modification, exhibits the necessary characteristics for pearl production. It has
a similar hardness & specific gravity and comparable coefficient of expansion. In fact, it is a more uniform and consistent
material than mussel shell itself. It drills more uniformly and does not tend to split or crack during manufacturing.
Bironite nuclei are being used around the
world and results show that it will be a suitable replacement for mussel shell. Although available
in any diameter, the larger sizes will form the basis for initial marketing and production. Cost advantages
are considerable especially in the larger size ranges.
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Bio-treatment We have developed our own antibacterial applications for pearl nuclei.
Traditional bio-coatings apply a layer of anti-bacterial substance to the outside of the nucleus. Once implanted inside the
oyster, the coating is absorbed by the oyster and helps to prevent bacteria from causing pearl rejection and mortality and
can also help with the formation of the pearl sac. Our application is not a coating but an impregnation. The nucleus is treated with similar
anti-bacterials but instead of a coating applied to the outside of the nucleus the anti-bacterial agent is impregnated into
the organic matter of the nucleus (conchiolin).
We
have also developed a methodology to impregnate alternative nucleus materials such as Bironite where the impregnation is applied
within the structure of the material. In both applications, when the nucleus is inserted inside the oyster, the
anti-bacterial leaches into the animal and aids with the prevention of bacteria.
Handling impregnated nuclei is also easier as the anti-biotic does not rub off as it
can do with traditional bio-coats. All self-sterilized nuclei are securely and conveniently packed.
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