What is Mother of Pearl?
When we talk about mother-of-pearl jewelry, it's not the external coating of nacre that's being referred to. Instead, it's the nacre found on the inner layer of the mollusk's shell, which is used to create the beautiful and iridescent material commonly known as mother of pearl. This material is used to make various jewelry pieces, such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, showcasing its unique luster and color.
Mother of Pearl necklaces, also known as nacre, is a substance found on the inner layer of the shells of certain mollusks, such as oysters, abalone, and mussels. It is composed of calcium carbonate crystals arranged in layers, along with an organic substance called conchiolin. Mother of Pearl is known for its iridescent and lustrous appearance, displaying a range of colors that seem to shimmer and change depending on the light.
How Does Mother of Pearl Get Its Iridescent Appearance?
Mother of Pearl gets its iridescent appearance from the way light interacts with its layered structure. The layers of calcium carbonate crystals in the Mother of Pearl are arranged in a way that causes light to bounce off them and interfere constructively, creating the iridescent effect.
When light hits the layers, it is refracted and reflected, resulting in a play of colors that shimmer and change as the viewing angle or the angle of incident light changes. This iridescence is a result of the interference and diffraction of light waves, similar to the way a thin film or soap bubble creates colorful patterns.
The exact colors and patterns seen in Mother of Pearl can vary depending on the specific mollusk species, the thickness and quality of the nacre layers, and the angle of observation.
What is different of Mother of Pearl and Pearl?
Unsurprisingly, pearls and mother of pearls are made of the same substance: nacre, an iridescent material composed of calcium carbonate. Well, Mother of Pearl is actually a nacre. A pearl, on the other hand, is formed by layers of nacre.
Nacre is created by mollusks to protect their soft interior tissue. The difference between pearls and mother of pearls is placement, with the latter being formed on the inner linings of a shell.
A pearl, on the other hand, is created when a foreign object enters the shell and the mollusk encases the foreign object in order to protect itself. The material used to create the encasement is the same nacre, also called mother of pearl.
The end result of this foreign object being encased in the nacre is a round-shaped pearl, whereas the mother of the pearl takes the shape of the shell that it lines.
While both Mother of Pearl and pearls come from mollusks, their formation, composition, and uses differentiate them, making them unique and sought-after materials in their own right.
Iridescent, with a discreet yet mesmerizing shine in any light, Mother of pearl makes a great choice when you aim to add a touch of dazzle to any look, be it daytime wear or evening wear. Like the classic pearl necklace and pearl earrings, mother-of-pearl designs have the power to enhance your natural glow instantly.
If you're looking for organic jewelry, mother-of-pearl jewelry is a popular and trendy choice. Unlike other gemstones, the mother of pearl is created by living creatures, making it the most organic gem on the planet.
It's important to note that pearl jewelry and mother of pearl jewelry are not the same. They have distinct looks and characteristics. However, they both possess the enchanting beauty of the seas and exhibit a unique iridescence that can't be replicated. They shine from every angle, capturing attention and radiating a natural and captivating charm.
