Mother of Pearl Jewelry

Mother‑of‑pearl Jewelry

Everyone loves pearls for their luster and shine. This treasured luminescence comes from a substance known as nacre, secreted by certain mollusks. Mother‑of‑pearl—also known as M.O.P.—is the astonishingly iridescent nacre lining found inside some mollusk shells, such as freshwater pearl mussels, cultured pearl oysters, and abalone.

Mother‑of‑pearl jewelry highlights that striking iridescence. Whether making up the wings of a butterfly ring or set in 18kt gold with lapis or sapphire, the shimmering seashell lends intrigue to jewelry with its fascinating refraction of light. It comes in an array of natural colors, including cream, tan, pink, and peacock or rainbow. It is also sometimes dyed to match beads or gemstones.

Often combined with sterling silver and turquoise or yellow gold and onyx, it's a fine jewelry staple. You'll find it in watches, cufflinks, bracelets, and mother‑of‑pearl rings. Used as an inlay, mother‑of‑pearl may be part of keepsakes such as jewelry or cigar boxes, money clips, carvings, and other objets d'art. M.O.P. jewelry pieces appear in treasure troves of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, and many Southwestern tribes of Native Americans found it useful for trading and jewelry making. It frequently appears in vintage and estate jewelry.

You'll never go wrong with mother‑of‑pearl. It looks equally at home with cowboy boots and jeans as with a pearl pendant necklace and an evening gown. When gift‑giving, mother‑of‑pearl stud earrings or cufflinks make treasured heirlooms. A rose gold mother‑of‑pearl ring or pearl drop earrings with mother‑of‑pearl accents are a lovely way to acknowledge motherhood, whether for Mother's Day, a baby shower, or an anniversary.

Care for your mother‑of‑pearl pieces just like you would any other pearl jewelry. The delicate nacre won't tolerate harsh chemicals or acids, so avoid contact with cleansers, perfumes, lotions, acidic foods, and vinegar. Simply wipe the surface clean with a jewelry cleaning cloth, damp microfiber cloth, or, when necessary, a soft brush dipped in warm water and a mild soap. Store mother‑of‑pearl items in silk or cotton pouches away from other gems, as the harder minerals may scratch the nacre.