Why We Call Them Tide, Tidal and Mist Tide

Within the Tide collection, Tide, Tidal, and Mist Tide describe different shell finishes, each suggesting a view of the sea. White mother of pearl feels pale and restrained, while abalone shows a stronger pattern. Gray mother of pearl brings a darker view.

Tide: a gentle impression of the sea

Tide is a noun: the tide itself. In our white mother-of-pearl designs, that image is gentle, like a faint tide passing across the shell.

The surface looks white or ivory from a distance. As you turn it, small changes in brightness and pale reflections appear. The overall impression stays light. This subtle sheen is the connection we see between white shell and a softer tide.

Tidal: a stronger sense of flow

Tidal is an adjective meaning related to the tides. We use it for a more flowing expression of the same image.

Abalone gives that movement a visible pattern. Its bands and darker lines are clearer, with blue, green, teal, or violet appearing across the surface. These stronger contrasts give the shell a more pronounced sense of movement. For us, those markings suggest water in motion.

Our abalone and mother-of-pearl guide explains the materials behind that difference.

Mist Tide: a darker reflection

Mist Tide uses gray mother of pearl, with smoky tones and silver reflections. Some areas catch blue-green light as the angle changes. Compared with white Tide, its darker surface gives the reflection more depth; beside Tidal, the color range is more restrained.

The gray surface can suggest water seen through mist. Its darker tones leave room for small reflections to show as you turn the piece.

Each natural cut has its own markings and reflection, so the balance will vary from piece to piece. If you want to compare the finishes with your clothes, our Tide, Tidal, and Mist Tide selection guide takes that next step.