I love the quietly captivating nature of Pearls and Mother of Pearl. Rather than the sharper sparkle of a faceted gemstone, they offer a softer play of light.
Although their names are often used together, Pearls and Mother of Pearl are not quite the same thing. They share a common material, nacre, but form in different ways.
What is Mother of Pearl?
Mother of Pearl is the shimmering inner lining of certain mollusc shells. It is made from nacre, a material built up in fine layers that help protect the shell’s inner surface.
Those layers interact with light to create the iridescence Mother of Pearl is known for. As you turn a piece, its surface can shift between creamy white, silver, pink and other subtle hues.
In jewellery, Mother of Pearl is often cut and shaped including into geometric discs which is perfect for their inclusion in my collections.
My Large Stellar White and Gold Necklace brings that iridescence into a simple, contemporary design. A mother-of-pearl disc is set in solid 9ct yellow gold and suspended from a delicate gold chain, with the option of a diamond charm.
Mother of Pearl discs are also featured in the Stellar Two Stone Necklace and in the Stellar stacking ring.
How are pearls different?
Pearls form within a mollusc rather than as part of the shell lining. Pearls develop as layers of nacre build up around a centre.
Depending on the type of pearl and how it develops, its shape can be round, oval, drop-shaped or wonderfully irregular. These irregular forms are often described as baroque pearls, and their individual contours can bring a particularly expressive quality to jewellery.
The individuality of these shapes is part of their appeal. My Pearl and Gold Nugget Necklace pairs a baroque pearl with solid 9ct gold naturally formed nugget and a delicate gold curb chain. Each pearl varies in shape, so every necklace has its own character.
Round pearls will always endure in jewellery and I love creating designs with them. Have a look at the full collection of Pearl jewellery.
How to care for pearls and mother of pearl
Both deserve gentle care. Their surfaces can be damaged by abrasive cleaning, and it is best to keep them away from perfume, hairspray and household cleaning products.
Put your jewellery on after applying cosmetics and fragrance, then wipe it gently with a soft cloth after wearing. Store pieces separately so they do not rub against harder gemstones or metal edges.
Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning. For pearl strands, follow the care guidance for the stringing material too, and have the thread checked if it shows signs of wear.
Get in touch with any questions or bespoke queries.