Pinna nobilis is celebrated for its stunning iridescence and durability, used for centuries to create textiles that tell stories of the sea. Sea silk is made from the fibers of the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis L.), a species native to the Mediterranean. These shells produce protein-rich secretions from a gland at their base, which harden into byssus threads when they come into contact with water. These threads anchor the shellfish to the seabed.

The process of obtaining sea silk begins by cutting the fibers that anchor the pen shell to the seabed, followed by washing, drying, combing, and spinning. The result is a fine textile material, valued since antiquity for its natural color that shifts from brown to gold.

To create sea silk, the fibers are cut, washed, dried, combed, and spun. The result is a fine textile prized since ancient times for its natural color, which ranges from brown to gold. The oldest piece of this rare textile dates back to the 4th century, while the earliest preserved item is a knitted cap from the 14th century. Often called “burning sea gold,” sea silk has been a treasured textile from antiquity through the Middle Ages. Most preserved items, especially gloves, were crafted through knitting. Sea silk is known for its exceptional durability, flexibility, and natural properties, which are said to aid in treating rheumatism and gout, as well as offering protection against heat, cold, and moisture.