Natural Shell Buttons from India for New Zealand Brands

Designers, small clothing brands and makers in New Zealand can source natural shell and mother-of-pearl buttons straight from the manufacturer in India. MyPearlCraft exports wholesale and bulk orders, quoted per shipment.

Why Natural Shell Buttons Stand Out

Every MyPearlCraft button starts as genuine shell — trocas, river shell, mother of pearl or cowrie — and is cut, polished and finished in-house at our manufacturing unit. We never use resin or plastic imitations. The lustre you see comes from the material itself, which is why shell reads as a premium detail on a garment.

Natural shell is a good fit for designers who want trims with a story: each button is cut from real shell, so no two are exactly alike, and the soft lustre complements natural-fibre garments, knitwear and handmade pieces.

Small Runs and Minimums

Smaller brands are often unsure whether an overseas supplier will take them seriously. Be upfront: tell us your intended quantity, garment type and timing. Typical minimums are 500–1000 pieces for buttons and around 50 pieces for jewellery, and we confirm the exact quantity in your quote. A mixed assortment of sizes in one order can help you reach a minimum while keeping variety.

Sample sets can be arranged for serious buyers, so you can approve the look before you commit to a run. Shipping several designs in one consignment also spreads the freight, which is charged separately.

Size Guide: Lignes to Millimetres

Buttons are sized in lignes (L), a trade unit equal to about 0.635 mm. Use this quick guide when you specify a size:

• 14L ≈ 9 mm · 18L ≈ 11.5 mm
• 20L ≈ 12.7 mm (½ inch) · 24L ≈ 15 mm
• 32L ≈ 20 mm · 36L ≈ 23 mm

Our range runs from 14L to 36L in 2, 3 and 4-hole styles, with custom sizes available on bulk orders. When in doubt, send us a reference button or a sample garment photo and we will suggest a size.

Designing Around Natural Variation

Because shell is a natural material, colour and grain differ slightly from button to button. Many designers treat this as part of the appeal. If you need a tighter match across a run, say so when you enquire — we can advise what is realistic and how sorting can help.

Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Supplier

Buttons are a small cost per garment but a large risk if the supply is inconsistent. Before you commit, ask any supplier — including us — these questions:

• Do you make the product yourself, or trade it from someone else?
• Can you match a reference sample, and can I approve a sample set before bulk production?
• What are your minimum quantities for each product?
• How are freight and timelines quoted, and what is included in the price?
• Can I reorder exactly the same specification later?
• What happens if a lot does not match the approved sample?

Our answers: we make the buttons ourselves, sample sets can be arranged for serious wholesale enquiries, minimums are typically 500–1000 pieces for buttons and around 50 for jewellery, and freight and lead time are quoted with the order.

Planning Your Order: Quantity, Sizing and Lead Time

Good planning avoids reorders. Start with the garment: a typical shirt often uses around eight to twelve buttons once cuffs, collar and a spare are counted, while a cardigan or jacket may use fewer, larger ones. Multiply by your production quantity, then add a small allowance for wastage and spares so you do not run short mid-run.

Confirm the size on a sample garment before ordering in bulk — a button that looks right in a photograph can feel different on the fabric. If you need a custom size, hole count, shape or finish, raise it in your first message, because custom work takes longer than standard sizes. Lead time depends on quantity and customisation and is confirmed in your quote; we never guess it in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work with small designers?

Yes, subject to minimums. Tell us your quantity and we confirm what is possible in your quote.

Can I mix sizes in one order?

Yes — sizes and styles can be mixed within a quote, with minimums confirmed per product.

Why is freight separate?

Freight depends on weight, destination and Incoterm, so it is quoted per shipment and charged separately from the goods.

Can I request a custom finish?

On bulk orders, custom sizes, shapes and finishes are available, subject to feasibility.

What currency will I be quoted in?

USD or EUR.

Request an Export Quote

To get started, send us your export enquiry or use the wholesale enquiry form with your product, quantity, specification and destination. You can also WhatsApp us or email info@mypearlcraft.com. We reply with pricing in USD or EUR, lead time and freight — delivery is charged separately from the goods price.