Abalone Shell Jewellery Box | Mother of Pearl · 1980s

Item Type: Pre-Loved

A shell box for the small things that earn keeping — rings set down at night, a pair of earrings, the watch that comes off last.

The body is worked abalone, the iridescent inner shell cut and laid across the surface so the colour shifts with the light. Blue, green and rose move under a polished finish. Inside, black velvet holds the contents quietly. A hinged lid closes flush.

Mother-of-pearl craft has a long tradition in China and across East Asia, where shell has been worked into decorative objects for centuries. This piece dates to the 1980s, the abalone laid by hand — the technique that gives the surface its depth rather than a printed or veneered imitation.

Key Features

• Finish / Hardware: Hand-laid abalone mother-of-pearl · Hinged lid
• Era: 1980s Chinese production
• Features: Iridescent shell surface · Black velvet interior · Flush-closing lid
• Included: Box only

Dimensions

• L × W × H: 17.5 × 10.5 × 4 cm / 6.9" × 4.1" × 1.6" · approx. 150g

Care Instructions

• Wipe the shell surface with a soft dry cloth — never wet
• Keep away from direct heat and prolonged sunlight to protect the iridescence
• Lift the velvet interior clean with a soft brush rather than cloth
• Avoid solvents and polishes — they dull and lift the shell

Item Details:

Brand: L'Officina General Store

Made in: People Republic of China

Material: Mother of Pearl

Detailed Dimensions:

• Width: 10.5 cm
• Lenght: 4 cm
• Height:
• Diameter:
• Weight: 150 g

Our commitment is simple:

• buy fewer, choose with intention
• invest in quality that endures and can be repaired
• favour pre-loved pieces, and noble materials that are plastic-free and chemical-free
• support European makers and considered production
• adopt a quieter, more responsible way of living

Thoughtfully crafted and sourced in Europe, each piece combines enduring design with lasting quality — helping you surround yourself with beauty.

Indicative Delivery Times:

• Italy: 2-4 working days
• European Union: 2–7 working days
• Rest of the world: 3–10 working days
• Standard and Express delivery available at checkout.

Shipping Costs:

• Italy from €4.90 EUR
• European Union from €6.90 EUR
• Rest of the World calculated at checkout

Free Delivery:

• Italy and European Union: Orders above €100 EUR
• Rest of the World: Orders above €500 EUR
• Express delivery are not subject to free delivery.

Shipping Schedule:

• We ship Monday to Friday, excluding Italian bank holidays.
• Orders placed before 6pm CET (on a work day) are shipped next day.

Customs & duties: For orders outside the EU, any applicable customs fees or duties are the responsibility of the buyer

NB: From our home in the heart of Tuscany, parcels are collected and shipped by our partners on Italian business days only (Monday to Friday).

See our full shipping policy: here

Love Every Piece

Your happiness matters — we want you to love every piece you bring home.

Return Window

You have 28 calendar days to return unused, tagged items in their original packaging.

Easy Returns

Just contact us, and we’ll arrange your return.

Italy:

• Drop-off point: €2.90 EUR
• Home collection: €5.50 EUR

(Return costs will be deducted from your refund.)

European Union & Rest of the World:

• We don’t currently offer free returns, but we’ll support you wherever possible.
  

Damaged or Wrong Item?

Choose a replacement, voucher, or full refund — whatever works best for you.

Non-Returnable Items

Earrings, beauty products, final sale items, and pre-loved products in “Fair” condition, as well as e-gift cards.

Questions?

Email us at info@officinageneralstore.com

See our full Returns & Refunds Policy for more details.