All About Mother-of-pearl Jewellery
What is Mother-of-pearl?
Mother-of-pearl is the shimmery, iridescent lining of mollusk shells. The scientific name of mother-of-pearl is nacre, and it is an organic-inorganic composite material produced by some mollusks, like pearl oysters, freshwater mussels, and abalone, in their inner shell layer. Nacre is produced and coated on the inside of shells to protect them from parasites and foreign irritants. The iridescence is caused by light reflecting on the layers of nacre on the shell and can come in various shades, like subtle hints of cream, pink, blue, and more.
Symbolism of Mother-of-pearl
Mother-of-pearl holds a wealth of symbolism across various cultures and contexts, often tied to its natural beauty and origins. Here are some common beliefs:
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Protection: In many cultures, mother-of-pearl is believed to shield its wearer from negative energy, much like how the mollusk uses it to protect itself.
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Prosperity: The shimmering surface is associated with wealth and good fortune, as it resembles treasure from the ocean.
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Purity: The iridescent white or pearlescent colors of mother-of-pearl are often associated with purity, calmness, and serenity.
Why choose Mother-of-pearl jewellery?
Apart from the symbolism, the beauty of the shimmery, iridescent nacre is what makes the Mother-of-pearl stand out. Also, the uniqueness of Mother-of-pearl from the fact that it is a naturally made material makes it a wonderful choice for personal jewellery. You can even combine it with birthstones, initials, or other meaningful symbols to create a truly unique piece and one of a kind.
How to take care of Mother-of-pearl jewellery?
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Clean gently: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe clean and avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that can scratch the material surface.
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Store properly: Keep jewellery in a soft pouch or jewellery box when not in use and avoid storing under direct sunlight.
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Wear carefully: Avoid directly contacting jewellery with perfume, swimming pool chlorine, sweat, etc, as these can cause damage to the material surface.