What is the difference between
paua shell and abalone? Paua is a high grade of abalone from New Zealand where
abalone is called paua in the Maori language. Can you tell the difference?
The cabochon in the pendant on the left is made of paua shell. The earrings
have abalone nuggets. In these examples the nugget is also in a more natural
state while the paua has been sliced thin, put on a backing and processed.
