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 B White 1st Grade stain—light to medium stain 2nd Grade stain—medium to heavy stain No matter which grade you choose, you can be assured of the quality of the nuclei; in fact, the only difference between the grades is the natural colour of the material itself. Standard sizes range from 5mm up to 18mm but other sizes can be manufactured on request.
	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.  Pearls Grown on Bironite
	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 bio-coats. All self-sterilized nuclei are securely and conveniently packed and orders can be supplied with a lab certificate showing effective anti-bacterial prevention zone.
	Nuclei and Reject Pearl Recycling From time to time, oysters do reject their nuclei or misformed pearls can be worthless for sale. At times like these, producers have historically discarded these pieces as there were few alternatives. For several years we have processed these pieces and returned them to the farmer as usable nuclei for future operations. Each piece carefully passes through our production facility to recreate the nucleus that it once was. All nacre and any weak surface material is removed. Then each bead is precision ground to ensure that we maximise the size yield. All nuclei are then polished using our special polishing techniques which makes our nuclei among the best quality in the world today. Final sieving and packaging and your nuclei will look better than the day you purchased them. Note—Size and weight loss will occur.

Back to Products