Mother of pearl refers to the iridescent layer found inside some mollusk shells. It is a beautiful, strong material used to make special pieces of jewelry with a peculiar aesthetic. Although both pearl and mother of pearl are organic gemstones and are closely related in their formation, they are two distinct compounds.
In this blog post, we explore these two substances, comparing pearl vs mother of pearl and highlighting the key differences in their composition, shape, appearance, and application.
What is Mother Of Pearl?
Mother of pearl is scientifically known as nacre, which is the crystallized mineral compound that coats the insides of mollusk shells. This smooth, iridescent material is structured as interlocking platelets bound together by proteins. The space between the platelets and their thickness is important to mother of pearl’s iridescent nature and color.
As a result of its luminous nature, the mother of pearl color changes with the movement of light on its surface.
Where Does Mother of Pearl Come From?
Like pearls, mother of pearl is made of nacre, but it is formed differently. When a mollusk shell is contaminated by a natural irritant or parasite, it tries to protect itself by secreting layers of nacre to coat the contaminant.
These concentric layers of coating develop into a beautiful pearl after some years and the flat nacre layer that lines inside the shell from which the pearls are produced is referred to as the “mother of pearl”.
It’s called mother of pearl because it bears the pearl, keeps it comfortable, and away from external objects, the way a mother does to her child. Thinner than pearls, mother of pearl offers a unique shine that is used commonly in jewelry designs.
Mother of Pearl Meaning
Mother of pearl signifies a thin yet strong material that brings both levity and strength to people around. It possesses a relaxing impact, which allows for easy control of one’s emotions. In some cultures, nacre-adorned gifts are considered tokens of good wishes and are desired as first anniversary presents.
Mother of pearl products and embellishments have existed for a long time and have traversed many civilizations. In ancient India, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China, this gemstone was loved because of its luminosity and it was used to adorn jewelry for highly placed nobles.
Due to its iridescence, this enchanting element has a mystical aura around it and various qualities attached to it. According to Chinese geomancy, mother of pearl’s meaning extends past being a material for making physical products, but also a sign of luck and prosperity.
Is Mother of Pearl the Same as Pearl?
No, mother of pearl is not the same as pearl. Although they are made from the same material, pearls occur as a single unit made completely from nacre. On the other hand, mother of pearl is specifically the nacre coating of the inner shell and requires a special process to be extracted from the shell.
Both have different forms and structures. Unlike pearls that have round shapes, mother of pearl has a flat shape due to its method of generation and extraction. As a result, they are used in different jewelry pieces.
Mother of Pearl vs Pearl: What’s Different?
- Composition: Same composition in 2 different forms
Mother of pearl and pearl are both organic gemstones composed of nacre, an iridescent substance made of calcium carbonate and secreted by a mollusk. The difference between these gemstones is in how they are formed.
Pearl formation happens over time within the tissue of the creature, after coating irritants or external objects with many layers of nacre. This builds into a round, spherical gemstone. In contrast, mother of pearl is a thin, sharp layer formed on the inner lining of the mollusk shell. This layer serves as a protector from contaminants that enter the shellfish.
- Less Choice on Mother of Pearl Colors
The color of pearls is dependent on the type of mollusk shell and environmental factors. They come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, gray, blue, green, black, and several rare hues.
Conversely, mother of pearl colors are limited and based on their iridescence. The reflection of light rays on the layers of calcium carbonate that make up the layer results in a shimmering gemstone with white, pink, blue, and green hues, among others.
- Differences in Jewelry Design
Pearls come in a complete form. Jewelry pieces are made by drilling holes through and stringing them together. Since pearls grow only to certain sizes, they are mostly used in making small round jewelry, such as rings, beads, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and earrings.
Mother of pearl jewelry is used differently from pearls. Extracted as a flat layer, mother of pearl is cut in simple shapes, and used for engraving textures or images on jewelry surfaces. They are usually made into large-sized focal pieces with peculiar designs and aesthetics.
- Is Pearl or Mother of Pearl More Expensive?
Pearls are more expensive than mother of pearl gemstones. This is because the creation of pearls involves specific types of mollusks and the process takes years to develop, making them rarer, more precious, and more expensive than mother of pearls.
Although mother of pearl is highly valued for its beauty and long-lasting nature, it is more common and accessible than pearls, making it generally less expensive. But how much are mother of pearls worth?
Mother of pearl is valued between $10 and $15 per kilogram in wholesale prices, while pearls are sold within the price ranges of $300 to $1500.
- Availability Difference
Most mollusk species produce mother of pearl in their shells, including oysters, abalone, and mussels. However, this is not the case for pearls. Only a small percentage of mollusks produce pearls, and these specific creatures require certain environmental conditions and water quality to produce gem-quality pearls.
In addition, pearls take longer to form than mother of pearls. All of these make pearls much less available than mother of pearl gemstones.
- Shape Difference
Pearls are mostly spherical but can grow into round, oval, and teardrop shapes. When working with pearls, jewelers have to be more creative with the setting and design as they can’t do much to alter its round shape. Although not as common as spherical-shaped pearls, these precious stones can also be found in interesting, irregular shapes as seen in baroque and Keshi pearls.
Comparatively, mother of pearl is a flat surface with no exact shape. This gem often takes the shape of the shell in which it is formed.
- Appearance Difference
Pearls generally have a metallic, highly reflective luster and smooth surface, depending on the type of mollusk and the environment in which it grows. With an ability to shine, Its beauty and color variety allow it to perfectly complement other flashier gems.
Mother of pearl comes in stunning color variations, such as pink, blue, and green that change due to their iridescent nature. Its shimmering texture is defined by a layered pattern, which adds depth and dimension to its outlook.
8. Popular Applications
Mother of pearl is valued for its beauty, calming effect, and energetic properties. Its unique combination of levity, firmness, and durability makes it perfect for designing handicrafts, such as furniture and musical instruments, and for producing countertops and floor tiles in home decor. It’s also used as a flat background for other gemstones during jewelry design, as well as add beauty to clothing and personal accessories like watch dials and buttons.
In comparing pearl vs mother of pearl, pearls bring a level of luxury, elegance, and sophistication to every jewelry design, art, and decorative item that is not seen with mother of pearl. These gemstones are considered high-end and are primarily used in making fine jewelry such as bracelets, pendants, and necklaces. They are also used in cosmetics and skincare, home decor, and for embellishing other gems.
Main Types of Mother of Pearl Colors
White Mother of Pearl
White Mother of Pearl is sourced from pearl oysters in the South Seas. This mother of pearl color is renowned for its bright and clean appearance and reflects the crystal clear environment in which they are formed.
Gold Mother of Pearl
This mother of pearl color is found in Australia, in the gold-lipped Pinctada maxima oyster, and is known for its warm hue, satiny surface, and lustrous overtone.
Black Mother of Pearl
Black mother of pearl is sourced from the South Seas in the lagoons of Tahitian and Cook Island atolls. They are formed in the black-lipped Pinctada margaritifera oyster, known for its dark, mysterious coloring.
Pink Mother of Pearl
Found in the mighty Mississippi River, USA, and Bangladesh, this mother of pearl color is obtained in shells such as conch or pink-lipped oysters. They are sought after because of their deep purple-pink coloring.
Abalone Mother of Pearl (Paua Shell Mother of Pearl)
Derived from abalone shells in the cold-water regions around the Pacific rim. The abalone mother of pearl has vibrant, multi-colored patterns with shades of wild blues & greens, as well as pink & purple.
Mother of Pearl vs. Abalone
Abalone is a type of mother of pearl, but has different shell types. Abalone’s nacre gives off a vibrant, dark incandescence with wild shades of greens and blues, which is different from the nacre developed by many popular mother of pearl shells.
Choosing Between Pearl and Mother of Pearl
When choosing between pearl vs mother of pearl, here are some factors to consider:
- Jewelry Preference: Pearls are better for classic, elegant jewelry pieces while mother of pearl is ideal for people who prefer subtle, decorative details.
- Budget Considerations: Pearls are a luxury choice, while mother of pearl offers an affordable alternative with a similar aesthetic.
FAQs
Can I Shower With Mother of Pearl Jewelry?
No, you cannot shower with mother of pearl jewelry. Water and chemicals in soaps can damage the gem’s surface, causing swelling, loss of luster, discoloration, and cracking over time.
Are Mother of Pearls Valuable?
Mother of pearl is a valuable jewelry option. It will most likely not be sold for millions, but cost quite a bit, especially when used with flashier and detailed jewelry pieces.
Is Mother of Pearl a Gemstone?
Mother of pearl is an organic gem produced inside the shell of a living organism. It is not a mineral gemstone created by heat and pressure in dusty mines.
How is the Mother of Pearl Harvested?
Dip the mollusk shell into an acid solution to wash away the outer layer. Then, the mother of pearl is brushed with a soft brush to remove any remaining layers of the outer shell.
How Do You Care for Mother of Pearl Jewellery?
Carefully wipe the jewelry with a soft damp cloth after wearing and make sure to dry thoroughly. Also, keep it away from strong cleaning solutions as harsh chemicals could cause damages.
Conclusion
Mother of pearl is the thin, iridescent layer that coats the insides of mollusk shells, while pearls are the beautiful, round objects formed by some mollusks. By contrasting pearl vs mother of pearl and understanding their key differences in composition, availability, shape, appearance, and color, it’s easy to make informed choices on the usage and applications of these gemstones.
