Mother Of Pearl

Mother of pearl is also known as nacre and occurs naturally as an organic-inorganic composite. It is a shimmering layer of material that forms the lining of many mollusks. Mother of pearl is made up of plates of aragonite, a material that is secreted by the mollusk. This aragonite includes calcium carbonate and conchiolin, which is a natural protein. To make the plates strong and flexible, the organism secretes a silk like material that gets layered between the plates. Mother of pearl is created by mollusks to protect them.

The iridescent inner layer of mother of pearl makes it extremely attractive and eye-catching. Mother of pearl is available in various natural colours. It can be bleached and dyed to get a particular colour without it losing its sheen. It is widely used in architectural decorative purposes, clothes, guitars and jewellery. High profile brands have been known to use mother of pearl to make shirt buttons. It is also used as an inlay on a guitar fret board.

Mother of pearl jewellery is quite popular among women as it appears extremely beautiful and elegant. Mother of pearl necklaces are available in different styles and pretty colours. Other popular items include mother of pearl rings, earrings, pendants, brooches and jewellery boxes, among others. Antique mother of pearl jewellery are beautiful and exquisite. Some of this antique jewellery is hand-made and has intricate work on it. Mother of pearl items and other antiques can be bought from different stores and online.