Also known as Nacre, Mother of Pearl is the iridescent substance that forms the lining of the shells of some fresh and some salt water molluscs (such as Mussels and Oysters), it has has attracted attention since the beginning of time. Mother of Pearl takes its colours and forms according to the type of animal and the environment in which it lived. Among its chief sources are the pearl oyster, found in warm and tropical seas mainly in Asia, freshwater Pearl Mussels which live in many rivers of the United States, Europe and Asia and the abalone of California, Japan and other Pacific regions.
In Ancient Egypt Mother of Pearl is known to have been used at least as far back as 4200 B.C. During the 15th century, its use in art was greatly developed at the hands of the Ottoman Turks and it became entirely at the disposal of Turkish Islamic art and was used in the making of Koran cases, writing desks, and chests as well as for window and door shutters, pulpits and lecterns. Mother of Pearl was also frequently used in the decoration and architecture of mosques and palaces. The 17th century was the peak of achievement for the art of working with this gemstone.
Mother of Pearl was infamously used to make buttons which became a major business in the early days of Illinois in the USA, but it is not known how early this industry started but it is known to have been in progress during the early 1900's. America began exporting billions of tons of Mother of Pearl buttons all over the world up until World War II, when newly invented plastic virtually drove them out of the market completely.
Its historical importance in the Eastern Pacific is evident from the first contacts between islanders and westerners. It was at that time used to make a variety of tools such as fish lures, hooks, files, graters, spoons and spatulas. At the same time it was the preferred material for the ornamentation of ceremonial costumes and for decorating the upper body.
The name Mother of Pearl comes about because it is the lining of a shell in which pearls grow. It has both traditional and New Age metaphysical and healing properties and is said to attract prosperity and is used in mystical work and healing to heighten intuition, psychic sensitivity, and imagination. It protects from negative influences and transmutes negative energy. Furthermore it is highly protective and gems are particularly effective for the protection of children. Another traditional use is to purify environments. It is also believed to be helpful for high blood pressure, dizziness, improving vision, cataracts and the healing of wounds.
Further reading:
Mother of Pearl
Mother of Pearl
Our collection of Mother of Pearl
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