Coloured Mother of Pearl Shell Buttons – Agoya, Trocas or River Shell: How They Are Made and Which to Choose

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Coloured Mother of Pearl Shell Buttons – Agoya, Trocas or River Shell: How They Are Made and Which to Choose

Coloured shell buttons – natural shell buttons in coloured mother of pearl – are made from real shell. A lacquer is applied to the natural mother-of-pearl and dyed in any colour, and then the button is polished again so it does not bleed colour in the wash. The result is a shimmering, living lustre that no plastic can copy. These are niche, boutique buttons used by the most premium brands.

Agoya, trocas or river shell buttons

Type of shellCharacteristicsSuitable for
Agoyaa thin, flat shell with a bright, iridescent lustre; takes dye most intenselyshirts, blouses, dresses – bright colours: green, purple, blue, turquoise
Trocasa thicker, harder shell that allows a rim and relief; fine, creamy lustrejackets, cardigans, knitwear – thicker buttons with a rim
River shellnatural shading of grey, pink and green; more affordableshirts, childrenswear, linen collections – a natural look

How mother-of-pearl is dyed

  1. Cutting and grinding the button from the shell;
  2. Applying lacquer to the natural mother-of-pearl;
  3. Dyeing in any colour – to a sample or Pantone;
  4. Final polishing – seals the colour so it does not bleed in the wash and gives a deep lustre.

The lacquer used is fully within OEKO-TEX limits – safe for the skin.

Why coloured mother of pearl

  • Natural material – every button has a unique pattern;
  • European look – gives the garment refinement and lustre;
  • Any colour – from bright green and fuchsia to royal blue and dark natural tones;
  • Premium positioning – a typical detail of boutique and luxury brands.

For Pantone dyeing, see also coloured agoya mother-of-pearl buttons, and for shaped styles heart, flower and square mother-of-pearl buttons.

Ordering, samples and lead times

  • Minimum order: 1,000 pcs per size and colour
  • Samples: 50–100 € before production
  • Production time: 10–20 days, delivery across Europe

Browse our mother-of-pearl buttons or send us your colour – we will send you a sample.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Are the coloured buttons real mother-of-pearl?
Yes – they are made from real shell (agoya, trocas or river shell), coated with a dyed lacquer.
What is the difference between agoya, trocas and river shell?
Agoya is a thin shell with a bright lustre and the most intense colour; trocas is thicker and allows a rim; river shell has natural grey-pink-green shading and is more affordable.
Do they bleed colour in the wash?
No – after dyeing the buttons are polished again, which seals the colour.
Is the lacquer safe?
Yes, the lacquer used is fully within OEKO-TEX limits.
Custom offer
Looking for a specific model, colour or size?

Send us an inquiry with a description or photo – you will receive an offer, samples and a production lead time.