White Mother of Pearl
Pinctada maxima
One of the finest and most widely used white mother-of-pearl varieties. It comes mainly from large pearl oysters of the South Seas. Its colour is exceptionally luminous, often with silvery, pink or subtle golden reflections. Highly valued for dots, binding, inlays and logos.
Australian White
Pinctada maxima
A commercial variety of South Seas mother of pearl, particularly associated with Australian production. Its colour tends toward ivory white with remarkable optical depth. The surface may display a very delicate rainbow effect. One of the most elegant choices for high-end instruments.
Gold Mother of Pearl
Pinctada maxima
Naturally golden mother of pearl, generally obtained from specimens of Pinctada maxima. Its colour ranges from warm cream to deep golden yellow. Relatively rare compared with white varieties, it can bring a warmer character to a Geisha Guitars instrument than the more familiar white mother of pearl.
Black Mother of Pearl
Pinctada margaritifera
The classic black mother of pearl of the Pacific. Characterised by dark anthracite, green, blue and violet tones, its reflections can be exceptionally deep and change dramatically with the angle of light. Particularly striking against ebony and other dark woods.
Gold Lip
Pinctada maxima
Named for the characteristic golden colouring along the inner edge of the shell. It can display a creamy white base with pronounced yellow-gold reflections. Warmer in appearance than classic White MOP, it is particularly interesting for small details and logos.
Abalone / Paua
Haliotis iris
Paua is a species of abalone native to New Zealand. It produces exceptionally colourful mother of pearl, with shades of blue, green, violet, turquoise and pink. Every piece is remarkably different. It is one of the most spectacular choices for decorative inlay.
Mexican Abalone
Haliotis fulgens
Also known as green abalone. Its colour range extends from deep green to blue, often with violet and pink. Its iridescent structure is particularly vivid. Widely used in inlay, jewellery and musical instruments.
Red Abalone
Haliotis rufescens
One of the largest abalone species. Its mother of pearl generally displays green, blue, pink and red tones, with a highly dynamic structure. It has a more organic appearance than uniform white mother of pearl and is widely used in traditional musical instruments.
Green Abalone
Haliotis fulgens
Often simply sold as Green Abalone. Green dominates the surface, while blue, turquoise, violet and pink emerge beneath it. The distribution of colour is highly irregular, making every piece virtually unique.
Brown Mother of Pearl
Pinctada margaritifera
A commercial name used for certain mother-of-pearl varieties with brown and golden edges and tones. Colours may range from warm brown to bronze, with green and golden reflections. Less commercially standardised than White and Black MOP.
Pink Mother of Pearl
Pinctada fucata
Mother of pearl with pink, peach or salmon tones. The colour can be delicate or intensely saturated. Particularly appreciated when a warmer and more refined result is desired instead of traditional white.
