Certain shellfish, such as pearl oysters, abalones, and fresh water mussels produce shells with a lustrous, rainbow-colored material. This material is called Mother of Pearl. It varies in color from pale grayish blue and pink to purple and green. Shells containing Mother of Pearl are found off the coasts of tropical countries. Mother of Pearl is the common name for irridescent nacre, a blend of minerals that are secreted by oysters and other mollusks and deposited inside their shells, coating and protecting their bodies from parasites and foreign objects.
Jewelry made from oysters and other mollusks are considered to be organic jewelry. People of many Island cultures have used these shells to barter for other goods. Pearls are created much the same way as mother of pearl. When a foreign substance, such as a piece of shell enters the body of the oyster, the mantle cells begin to work. They cover the object with thin sheets of nacre. They build successive circular layers of nacre until the foreign body is enclosed forming the pearl. Valuable pearls come from some species of oysters that live in tropical seas. The shape of a pearl is as important as it's color. Round pearls are suitable for necklaces, and considered most valuable.
Next in value are the button and drop shaped pearls, which are often used for earrings. Pearls with irregular shapes are called baroques.
Accent your wardrobe with our fine sterling silver, mother of pearl, white fresh water pearls and gray fresh water pearls. We offer an exquisite selection of fine sterling silver, Mother of Pearl, White fresh water pearls, gray fresh water Pearls, and Pink Shell Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, Pendants and rings in lovely designs of Hearts, Ovals, Dangles, and multi strand Necklaces.
