Mabe Pearls

Mabe (dome, blister) pearls – (pronounced "mah-bay") a hemispherical shaped pearl which is grown against the inside of the oyster's shell, rather than within its tissue. The pearl develops in a dome form with a flat back – the back is usually attached manually after harvesting. Cultured mabes are used for such things as rings and earrings, rather than for stringing on necklaces.