Mother of Pearl & Capiz Shell Trays
Our mother of pearl trays and capiz shell inlay trays are handcrafted in Vietnam by skilled artisans using centuries-old inlay techniques. Each tray features genuine shell pieces — either lustrous mother of pearl from pearl oysters, or iridescent capiz shell from windowpane oysters — hand-placed into intricate patterns and finished with a protective lacquer. The result is a surface that shimmers and shifts with the light, making every piece genuinely one of a kind.
Available in round, square, and rectangle shapes with rattan or water hyacinth rims, our collection covers everything from intimate coaster-sized pieces to large statement trays for coffee tables and serving. Whether you're styling your home or searching for a meaningful gift, this is one of the most curated selections of mother of pearl and capiz shell trays available from a US-based seller.
Showing 1–12 of 19 results
Showing 1–12 of 19 results
Complete the Set with a Tray & Coaster Bundle
Save when you shop our coordinated mother of pearl tray and coaster bundles — handcrafted sets starting from $95.
Mother of Pearl vs. Capiz Shell: What’s the Difference?
Both mother of pearl and capiz shell are used in our tray collection, and both produce the same luminous, iridescent finish. True mother of pearl — also called nacre — comes from the inner lining of pearl oysters and is known for its deep iridescence and color shift. Capiz shell comes from the windowpane oyster, a related species that is more widely available and equally beautiful, with a slightly more translucent quality. In everyday use, the term “mother of pearl” is widely applied to both — and both types appear throughout our collection. Each product listing specifies which material is used.
Shapes, Sizes & Rim Styles
Our mother of pearl tray collection covers three shapes — round, square, and rectangle — each available in multiple sizes. Round trays come in 12″ and 14″ diameters, framed by a handwoven rattan rim. Square trays are available in 7″, 9″, and 10.6″ sizes with either a rattan rim or a shell-inlaid wooden rim. Rectangle trays come in two sizes — 12×8″ and 13×9″ — with rattan or water hyacinth rims. If you’re looking for a coordinated set, our Tray & Coaster Bundles pair trays and coasters from the same design family at a better combined price.
Where Function Meets Style
A mother of pearl tray is one of the most versatile pieces you can add to a home. Use a round tray as a coffee table centerpiece, a square tray to organize a nightstand or vanity, or a rectangle tray as a serving piece for drinks and appetizers. The iridescent shell surface catches light differently throughout the day — subtle in morning light, luminous in evening candlelight. The handwoven rattan rim adds warmth and natural texture that pairs effortlessly with wood, linen, and other natural materials.
Artisan Techniques Passed Down Through Generations
Every tray in this collection is made by hand in Vietnam, where shell inlay is a craft tradition stretching back centuries. Artisans cut individual shell pieces into specific shapes, then place and press each one by hand into a lacquered wood base following a hand-drawn pattern. The process for a single tray can take several hours. The woven rattan or water hyacinth rim is added separately, handwoven piece by piece around the tray edge. Because everything is made by hand, no two trays are exactly alike — the subtle variations in shell color and pattern are a natural characteristic of genuine artisan work, not a defect.
Perfect for Gifting
Our mother of pearl trays are among our most popular gift choices — particularly for housewarmings, weddings, and hostess gifts. A tray paired with matching coasters makes a complete, thoughtful gift that feels luxurious without being impractical. Each piece ships carefully packaged and ready to give. If you’d like to include a personalized note, add it in the order notes at checkout.
Caring for Your Tray
Wipe clean with a soft damp cloth after use. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can affect the lacquer finish over time. Not dishwasher safe. Do not submerge in water. With simple care, your mother of pearl tray will maintain its beauty for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mother of pearl (nacre) refers to the iridescent inner lining of pearl oysters, while capiz shell comes from the windowpane oyster. Both produce a beautiful, luminous finish and are used interchangeably in the home decor industry under the term “mother of pearl.” Capiz is more widely available and slightly more translucent; true mother of pearl tends to have a deeper color shift. Both types appear in our collection and are specified in each product listing.
Every tray is handcrafted by skilled artisans in Vietnam. Each shell piece is cut and placed by hand into a lacquered wood base, and the rattan or water hyacinth rim is handwoven separately. The process for a single tray can take several hours. Because everything is made by hand, no two trays are exactly alike – subtle variations in shell color and pattern are a natural characteristic of genuine artisan work.
Yes – our trays are made from natural, renewable materials. Capiz and mother of pearl shell are harvested sustainably, and the rattan and water hyacinth used for the rims are fast-growing natural fibers. We work directly with small Vietnamese workshops that use traditional techniques and minimal industrial processing.
Our trays work well for dry serving – bread, fruit, charcuterie, snacks, and appetizers. We recommend using coasters under drinks rather than placing wet glasses directly on the shell surface, as prolonged moisture contact is not ideal for the lacquer finish. Not dishwasher safe. Wipe clean with a damp cloth after use.
We carry round trays in 12″ and 14″ diameters, square trays in 7″, 9″, and 10.6″ sizes, and rectangle trays in 12×8″ and 13×9″. Round and rectangle trays feature handwoven rattan or water hyacinth rims; square trays are available with rattan rims or shell-inlaid wooden rims. Use the filters on this page to narrow by shape, rim style, or color.
Yes – we carry a full range of matching seashell inlay coasters, many of which are designed to coordinate with specific tray designs. You can browse individual coasters in our Coasters category, or shop our Tray and Coaster Bundles for a coordinated set at a better combined price.
A round mother of pearl tray works beautifully as a coffee table anchor – place a small candle, a few books, and a plant or botanicals on top for an effortlessly styled look. For a square tray, try using it on a nightstand or vanity to organize jewelry and small items. The iridescent surface adds a natural glow to any arrangement without competing with other decor.
Yes – we offer free standard shipping on all U.S. orders over $75. Most of our individual trays and all of our tray and coaster bundles qualify automatically. No code needed.