Mother-of-Pearl

Mike Levine

Did you know that mother-of-pearl, so popular in the jewelry world, is also in demand for use as decorative inlays for musical instruments, household items, tableware and door designs? Indeed, mother-of-pearl has been used for everything from shirt and cardigan buttons to elaborate inlays for royal thrones.

Like Pearls, Well Sort Of
Mother-of-pearl is basically the organic lining of mollusks (mussels, pearl oysters and abalone), called nacre, a substance that’s produced to protect the organism. It’s the same basic substance that starts the pearl formation process. The key difference is that pearls are really irritants in the mollusks that are then coated with the nacre to protect the living organism. So mother-of-pearl is the nacre itself, where pearls are the layers of nacre around an irritant object. Yes, it’s a bit confusing! Stop on in and we can explain in more detail.

What’s in a Name
So why is it called “mother”-of-pearl and not “father”-of-pearl?  Maybe it’s because the lining of the shells, the “bellies” where actual pearls are produced, can be compared to a mother’s womb. Another theory: Mother-of-pearl is an organic gem material created by a living organism, like a mother creating a child. Sorry, dads, it’s just not part of your biological makeup!

Metaphysical Properties
There are so many positive qualities attributed to mother-of-pearl that it’s hard to know where to draw the line. Properties include attracting prosperity, heightening intuition and imagination, protecting from negative energy, increasing memory power, bringing about serenity and tranquility, encouraging perfection and attracting wealth.

Colors
Similar to pearls, mother-of-pearl can come in a huge variety of colorful variations, from basic white, gray-silver, blue green, to brown, black and more.

History
The ancient Egyptians apparently used mother-of-pearl to adorn silver pieces. It was later traded by American Indians and used to create beaded jewelry. According to at least one source, mother of pearl buttons in particular were big business in Victorian England. The Pearly Kings and Queens Society, an English charitable organization that originated in the 19th century and still exists today, sport distinctive outfits decorated with mother-of-pearl buttons.

Interesting in learning more? Stop on in and we’ll tell you everything we know about mother-of-pearl, pearls and any other precious metal or gemstone you’d like to discuss!

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