What is a mabé pearl?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A mabé pearl, also spelled mabe, is a cultured blister pearl grown against the inner surface of a mollusc shell rather than freely inside the body, so it forms as a dome rather than a complete sphere. A nucleus is glued to the shell wall, and over time the mollusc coats it in nacre. The hemisphere is then cut from the shell, the nucleus removed, and a mother-of-pearl backing applied. Mabé pearls give large, lustrous domes at a lower cost than equivalent round pearls, and they suit rings, earrings and pendants where the flat back can be bezel-set.
Frequently asked questions
- Are mabé pearls real pearls?
- Yes, they are real cultured pearls. They are grown by a mollusc and covered in genuine nacre, which is what makes them pearls. The difference is the shape and the way they are cultured, not the authenticity of the material.
- How does a mabé pearl differ from a round pearl?
- A round pearl forms freely inside the body of the mollusc and develops nacre evenly on all sides. A mabé pearl grows against the shell and is a hemisphere with a flat back, so it cannot be drilled and strung like a round pearl. It is set with its flat base against the jewellery mount.
- Are mabé pearls valuable?
- They are generally less expensive than equivalent round pearls of the same diameter because they are easier to produce and the nacre coating is typically thinner, but high-quality mabé pearls with deep lustre and clean surfaces are still very attractive and command good prices, particularly in large sizes.
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