Naturals: Wood, Pearls, Shell, & Amber Beads
Natural beads bring warmth and life that even the finest gemstones can’t replicate. Our Naturals collection gathers organic materials—wood, pearls, shells, amber and more—each simply shaped, polished and drilled to showcase its native color, grain or iridescence.
Browse honey-glow Baltic amber, richly patterned rosewood and sandalwood, luminous freshwater pearls, creamy mother-of-pearl buttons, wampum and spiny oyster shells, plus ethically sourced coral accents. Strands run 8 or 15 inches and feature clean 0.5 – 1.0 mm holes that slide easily onto standard beading wire, cord or silk.
Blend these naturals with gemstone rounds for earthy contrast, string an all-wood mala for lightweight comfort, or spotlight a single iridescent shell focal in coastal-themed earrings. Every strand is inspected in Minnesota for color, surface quality and drilling accuracy, so you can design with confidence and let nature’s own palette do the talking.
Natural Gemstone Beads for Timeless Jewelry Pieces
Freshwater Pearl Various Sizes White Baroque Beads - 3 Pack
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$24.00
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$24.00
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$24.00
$24.00
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$24.00
Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...
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$24.00
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$24.00
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$24.00
$24.00
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$24.00
Freshwater Pearl 3.5-3mm Brown Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$13.00
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$13.00
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$13.00
$13.00
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$13.00
Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...
View full details
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$13.00
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$13.00
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$13.00
$13.00
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$13.00
Freshwater Pearl 2.5-3mm Dark Pink Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$12.00
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$12.00
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$12.00
$12.00
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$12.00
Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...
View full details
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$12.00
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$12.00
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$12.00
$12.00
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$12.00
Freshwater Pearl 2.5-3mm Brown Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$12.00
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$12.00
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$12.00
$12.00
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$12.00
Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...
View full details
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$12.00
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$12.00
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$12.00
$12.00
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$12.00
Freshwater Pearl 2.5-3mm Dark Brown Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$12.00
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$12.00
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$12.00
$12.00
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$12.00
Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...
View full details
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$12.00
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$12.00
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$12.00
$12.00
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$12.00
Freshwater Pearl 2-2.5mm Burgundy Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$12.00
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$12.00
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$12.00
$12.00
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$12.00
Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...
View full details
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$12.00
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$12.00
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$12.00
$12.00
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$12.00
Wampum Shell 10mm Rondelle Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$59.00
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$59.00
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$59.00
$59.00
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$59.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
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$59.00
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$59.00
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$59.00
$59.00
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$59.00
Wampum Shell 6mm Round Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$104.00
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$104.00
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$104.00
$104.00
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$104.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
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$104.00
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$104.00
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$104.00
$104.00
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$104.00
Wampum Shell 4mm Round Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$77.00
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$77.00
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$77.00
$77.00
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$77.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
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$77.00
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$77.00
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$77.00
$77.00
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$77.00
Wampum Shell 14mm Round Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$149.00
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$149.00
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$149.00
$149.00
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$149.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
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$149.00
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$149.00
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$149.00
$149.00
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$149.00
Wampum Shell 12mm Heishi Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$68.00
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$68.00
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$68.00
$68.00
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$68.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
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$68.00
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$68.00
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$68.00
$68.00
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$68.00
Wampum Shell 5mm Rondelle Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$41.00
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$41.00
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$41.00
$41.00
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$41.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
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$41.00
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$41.00
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$41.00
$41.00
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$41.00
Wampum Shell 5mm Light Rondelle Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$41.00
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$41.00
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$41.00
$41.00
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$41.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
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$41.00
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$41.00
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$41.00
$41.00
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$41.00
Wampum Shell 9mm Carved Flower Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$59.00
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$59.00
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$59.00
$59.00
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$59.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
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$59.00
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$59.00
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$59.00
$59.00
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$59.00
Wampum Shell 16x20mm Carved Turtle Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$88.00
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$88.00
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$88.00
$88.00
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$88.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
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$88.00
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$88.00
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$88.00
$88.00
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$88.00
Wampum Shell 12x15mm Carved Shell Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$66.00
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$66.00
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$66.00
$66.00
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$66.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
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$66.00
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$66.00
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$66.00
$66.00
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$66.00
Wampum Shell 8x11mm Carved Butterfly Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$109.00
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$109.00
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$109.00
$109.00
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$109.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
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$109.00
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$109.00
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$109.00
$109.00
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$109.00
Wampum Shell 20mm Cross Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$55.00
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$55.00
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$55.00
$55.00
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$55.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
Original price
$55.00
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$55.00
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$55.00
$55.00
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$55.00
Wampum Shell 15mm Clover Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$49.00
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$49.00
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$49.00
$49.00
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$49.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
Original price
$49.00
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$49.00
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$49.00
$49.00
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$49.00
Wampum Shell 8-9mm Carved Clover Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$55.00
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$55.00
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$55.00
$55.00
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$55.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
Original price
$55.00
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$55.00
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$55.00
$55.00
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$55.00
Wampum Shell 5x10mm Tube Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$53.00
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$53.00
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$53.00
$53.00
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$53.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
Original price
$53.00
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$53.00
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$53.00
$53.00
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$53.00
Wampum Shell 7mm Rondelle Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$49.00
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$49.00
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$49.00
$49.00
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$49.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
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$49.00
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$49.00
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$49.00
$49.00
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$49.00
Wampum Shell 8-14mm Graduated Heishi Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$71.00
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$71.00
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$71.00
$71.00
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$71.00
Wampum is made from one of the hardest and most beautiful shells in the world: the Northern Quahog, a clam found along the New England coast. The w...
View full details
Original price
$71.00
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$71.00
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$71.00
$71.00
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$71.00
Shiva Eye Shell 10mm Heart Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$36.00
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$36.00
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$36.00
$36.00
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$36.00
Shiva Eye shells—also known as Pacific Cat’s Eye or Operculum—are the protective "door" of Turban snails, found in Thailand/Indonesia. They symboli...
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$36.00
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$36.00
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$36.00
$36.00
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$36.00
Purple "Pimpleback" Shell 8x16mm Faceted Rectangle Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$72.00
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$72.00
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$72.00
$72.00
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$72.00
A "pimpleback" is a freshwater mussel (Cyclonaias pustulosa) common in North American rivers, characterized by a thick, yellow-brown to brown shell...
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$72.00
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$72.00
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$72.00
$72.00
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$72.00
Purple "Pimpleback" Shell 8mm Faceted Coin Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$57.00
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$57.00
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$57.00
$57.00
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$57.00
A "pimpleback" is a freshwater mussel (Cyclonaias pustulosa) common in North American rivers, characterized by a thick, yellow-brown to brown shell...
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$57.00
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$57.00
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$57.00
$57.00
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$57.00
Queen Conch Shell 9x16mm Pink Rice Bead - 15-16
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$97.00
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$97.00
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$97.00
$97.00
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$97.00
The queen conch (scientific name: Eustrombus gigas), also known as the big phoenix snail or the pink phoenix snail, is a large and edible conch. Th...
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$97.00
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$97.00
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$97.00
$97.00
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$97.00
Freshwater Pearl 5x9mm White Baroque Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$72.00
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$72.00
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$72.00
$72.00
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$72.00
Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...
View full details
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$72.00
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$72.00
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$72.00
$72.00
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$72.00
Freshwater Pearl 8x10-20x25mm Biwa Stick Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$49.00
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$49.00
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$49.00
$49.00
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$49.00
Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...
View full details
Original price
$49.00
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$49.00
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$49.00
$49.00
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$49.00
Abalone Shell 3x5mm Rondelle Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$54.00
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$54.00
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$54.00
$54.00
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$54.00
Abalone Shell is strong and is made of stacked calcium carbonate tiles. When the abalone shell is struck, the tiles slide instead of shattering abs...
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$54.00
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$54.00
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$54.00
$54.00
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$54.00
Abalone Shell 10x14mm Faceted Puff Oval Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$86.00
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$86.00
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$86.00
$86.00
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$86.00
Abalone Shell is strong and is made of stacked calcium carbonate tiles. When the abalone shell is struck, the tiles slide instead of shattering abs...
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$86.00
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$86.00
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$86.00
$86.00
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$86.00
Abalone Shell 8mm Star Cut Faceted Coin Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$64.00
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$64.00
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$64.00
$64.00
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$64.00
Abalone Shell is strong and is made of stacked calcium carbonate tiles. When the abalone shell is struck, the tiles slide instead of shattering abs...
View full details
Original price
$64.00
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$64.00
Original price
$64.00
$64.00
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$64.00
Abalone Shell 9mm Carved Flower Bead - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$79.00
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$79.00
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$79.00
$79.00
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$79.00
Abalone Shell is strong and is made of stacked calcium carbonate tiles. When the abalone shell is struck, the tiles slide instead of shattering abs...
View full details
Original price
$79.00
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Original price
$79.00
Original price
$79.00
$79.00
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$79.00
Abalone Shell 4mm Heishi Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$57.00
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$57.00
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$57.00
$57.00
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$57.00
Abalone Shell is strong and is made of stacked calcium carbonate tiles. When the abalone shell is struck, the tiles slide instead of shattering abs...
View full details
Original price
$57.00
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Original price
$57.00
Original price
$57.00
$57.00
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$57.00
Abalone Shell 5-10 Chip Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$36.00
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$36.00
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$36.00
$36.00
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$36.00
Abalone Shell is strong and is made of stacked calcium carbonate tiles. When the abalone shell is struck, the tiles slide instead of shattering abs...
View full details
Original price
$36.00
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Original price
$36.00
Original price
$36.00
$36.00
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$36.00
Spiny Oyster 10.3x19.5mm Bear Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$69.00
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$69.00
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$69.00
$69.00
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$69.00
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$69.00
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$69.00
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$69.00
$69.00
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$69.00
Mother of Pearl 3mm Black Cube Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$28.00
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Original price
$28.00
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$28.00
$28.00
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$28.00
Mother of Pearl, also known as Nacre, is an iridescent composite of organic and inorganic material most known for being the coating of pearls. It i...
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$28.00
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$28.00
Original price
$28.00
$28.00
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$28.00
Mother of Pearl 6x13mm Black Bevel Edged Rectangle Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$64.00
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Original price
$64.00
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$64.00
$64.00
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$64.00
Mother of Pearl, also known as Nacre, is an iridescent composite of organic and inorganic material most known for being the coating of pearls. It i...
View full details
Original price
$64.00
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Original price
$64.00
Original price
$64.00
$64.00
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$64.00
Mother of Pearl 9mm Black Carved Flower Bead - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$79.00
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Original price
$79.00
Original price
$79.00
$79.00
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$79.00
Mother of Pearl, also known as Nacre, is an iridescent composite of organic and inorganic material most known for being the coating of pearls. It i...
View full details
Original price
$79.00
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Original price
$79.00
Original price
$79.00
$79.00
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$79.00
Mother of Pearl 3x5mm White Tube Bead - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$49.00
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Original price
$49.00
Original price
$49.00
$49.00
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$49.00
Mother of Pearl, also known as Nacre, is an iridescent composite of organic and inorganic material most known for being the coating of pearls. It i...
View full details
Original price
$49.00
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Original price
$49.00
Original price
$49.00
$49.00
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$49.00
Mother of Pearl 4mm White Heishi Bead - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$54.00
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Original price
$54.00
Original price
$54.00
$54.00
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$54.00
Mother of Pearl, also known as Nacre, is an iridescent composite of organic and inorganic material most known for being the coating of pearls. It i...
View full details
Original price
$54.00
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Original price
$54.00
Original price
$54.00
$54.00
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$54.00
Mother of Pearl 1-2x4mm White Thin Heishi Bead - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$54.00
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Original price
$54.00
Original price
$54.00
$54.00
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$54.00
Mother of Pearl, also known as Nacre, is an iridescent composite of organic and inorganic material most known for being the coating of pearls. It i...
View full details
Original price
$54.00
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Original price
$54.00
Original price
$54.00
$54.00
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$54.00
Mother of Pearl 6mm White Heishi Bead - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$57.00
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Original price
$57.00
Original price
$57.00
$57.00
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$57.00
Mother of Pearl, also known as Nacre, is an iridescent composite of organic and inorganic material most known for being the coating of pearls. It i...
View full details
Original price
$57.00
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Original price
$57.00
Original price
$57.00
$57.00
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$57.00
Mother of Pearl 6x13mm White Bevel Edged Rectangle Bead - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$64.00
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Original price
$64.00
Original price
$64.00
$64.00
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$64.00
Mother of Pearl, also known as Nacre, is an iridescent composite of organic and inorganic material most known for being the coating of pearls. It i...
View full details
Original price
$64.00
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Original price
$64.00
Original price
$64.00
$64.00
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$64.00
Mother of Pearl 9mm White Carved Flower Bead - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$79.00
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Original price
$79.00
Original price
$79.00
$79.00
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$79.00
Mother of Pearl, also known as Nacre, is an iridescent composite of organic and inorganic material most known for being the coating of pearls. It i...
View full details
Original price
$79.00
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Original price
$79.00
Original price
$79.00
$79.00
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$79.00
Spiny Oyster 6mm Orange Round Bead - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$39.00
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Original price
$39.00
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$39.00
$39.00
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$39.00
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$39.00
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$39.00
Original price
$39.00
$39.00
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$39.00
Spiny Oyster 6mm Red Round Bead - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$39.00
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$39.00
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$39.00
$39.00
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$39.00
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$39.00
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$39.00
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$39.00
$39.00
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$39.00
Spiny Oyster 6mm Coin Bead - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$42.00
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Original price
$42.00
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$42.00
$42.00
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$42.00
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$42.00
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$42.00
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$42.00
$42.00
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$42.00
Frequently asked questions
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What counts as a 'natural' in this collection?
Naturals here are organic or biogenic gem materials — formed by a living organism or plant rather than by geologic mineralization. Pearl and Shell come from mollusks, Coral and Fossil Coral from marine colonies, Amber from fossilized tree resin, Wood from trees, and Bone and Horn from animal sources. Mineralogically these aren't gemstones in the strict sense (no crystal structure, lower Mohs hardness, often porous), but they've been used as drilled bead material for centuries. Mineral varieties like Agate, Jasper, and Quartz live in the main gemstone categories. If you want stone-like density and hardness, shop those instead; if you want organic warmth and color range, this is the right hub. -
Which materials does Dakota stock under Naturals?
Active inventory includes Pearl (freshwater, the deepest assortment), Natural Shell, Spiny Oyster (Mexican shell with orange-to-purple color range), Lion's Paw (scallop shell), Wood beads in several species, Coral and Fossil Coral, Amber, Natural Horn, and Bone. Cuts trend toward round, rondelle, heishi and tyre, coin, rice, and tube — shapes that suit the working material. Size availability concentrates between 4mm and 10mm for most stones, with larger 20mm focals in Wood and Shell. Specific origin, species, or shell type should be disclosed; ask before buying if the listing doesn't specify and you need it confirmed for a build. -
How does care differ from mineral gemstone beads?
Organic materials are softer (Pearl ~2.5–4.5 Mohs, Amber ~2–2.5, Coral ~3–4) and more porous than mineral stones, so they react to things mineral beads shrug off. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, hot water, perfume, hairspray, and household solvents — these can strip surface luster, dull polish, or etch the material. Light exposure can fade dyed Pearl, Coral, and Wood over time; store strung pieces out of direct sun. Wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry fully before storage. String on silk or nylon, knotted between pearls when possible, and restring periodically since cord absorbs body oils faster than with mineral beads. -
What treatments are common on organic materials?
Treatment is common across this category and usually disclosed at the product level. Freshwater Pearl is routinely bleached to even tone and often dyed for color; nucleation method varies by farm. Coral is frequently dyed, and dyed Coral should be labeled as such. Amber on the market is often pressure-formed (reconstituted) or heat-clarified — natural untreated Amber exists but commands different pricing. Wood beads are typically sealed, stained, or waxed. Shell may be dyed or coated. Treatment status should be disclosed; ask before buying if it isn't specified and disclosure matters for your customer or for a treatment-sensitive design. -
Can organic naturals be paired with mineral gemstone beads?
Yes, and the hardness gap is the main thing to plan around. Pairing Pearl (Mohs 2.5–4.5) with Agate or Jasper (Mohs 6.5–7) in the same strand means the softer material wears faster at contact points — use spacers, knots, or metal beads between them to reduce abrasion. Drill-hole sizes also vary: Pearl is often half-drilled or small-hole, while mineral rondelles run 1mm standard, so check compatibility with your stringing material. Visually, Pearl and Shell read as neutrals against most stones; Wood and Amber warm up cool mineral palettes like Amazonite or Aquamarine; Spiny Oyster bridges into Carnelian and red Jasper builds.