About Mother of Pearls

Undoubtedly, many people cannot resist the allure of the warm and elegant "Queen of Gems" - pearls. However, we often overlook the pearl-producing mollusk, Mother of Pearl, which sacrifices itself to give birth to precious pearls. But today, Mother of Pearl has found its own recognition. Craftsmen have discovered its beauty, and it has become a favored material for many luxury brands.

Formation Process

Mother of Pearl is the organic material that serves as the host for pearl formation. It has a unique growth pattern, with textured effects and a shimmering surface. When foreign objects such as microorganisms, organic debris, sand, or parasites infiltrate the natural mother-of-pearl, it stimulates the secretion of nacre, the substance that forms pearls. The nacre is then deposited around the pearl nucleus or foreign object, gradually forming a pearl. Mother of Pearl itself undergoes a transformation, as it is enveloped by the miraculous nacre, acquiring special optical effects and a unique beauty.

The captivating iridescence of Mother of Pearl is due to the arrangement of calcium carbonate crystals within the pearl layers, which resemble a mosaic pattern. The conchiolin, a proteinaceous substance, fills the gaps between the calcium carbonate crystals and the individual layers of the pearl. This structure is akin to bricks and mortar in construction, with the calcium carbonate crystals acting as the bricks and the organic material serving as the binding agent. The iridescence is a result of the complex interplay of light reflection and interference caused by this unique structure.

Diverse Shapes

Mother of Pearl first gained prominence through Van Cleef & Arpels. The clover design featuring Mother of Pearl became immensely popular among women, sparking a trend in the jewelry industry. More people started using Mother of Pearl to design jewelry in various shapes, showcasing its versatility. The image of Mother of Pearl, symbolizing cleanliness, purity, and radiance, has deeply resonated with people.

The iconic four-leaf motif of Van Cleef & Arpels, introduced in 1968, quickly became a symbol of the brand. For forty years, this charming and lucky design has been cherished by women. Each leaf of the four-leaf clover carries profound meaning: the first leaf represents luck, the second leaf represents love, the third leaf represents health, and the fourth leaf represents wealth.

The popularity of this design is largely due to its alignment with aesthetic standards, particularly the golden ratio. The golden ratio is a proportion that has a profound impact on human aesthetics. Additionally, the four-leaf clover incorporates another crucial concept in science and art: symmetry. However, it goes beyond simple left-right symmetry and encompasses central symmetry.

Symmetry, in both daily life and artistic works, represents a regular, repetitive pattern and signifies balance, proportion, and harmony. It aligns with the natural order present in all living organisms, offering humans a sense of beauty and grace.

In the Mother of Pearl collection of Olina Pearl, you can also find this pleasing and harmonious symmetry.

Dreamy Hues

Just like pearls, Mother of Pearl exhibits a wide range of colors, from white to black, blue-green, beautiful pink, and shimmering golden tones. Some even display a rainbow effect when exposed to sunlight.

The unique structure of Mother of Pearl and its interaction with light give rise to its beautiful and mysterious iridescence. Some Mother of Pearl displays vibrant hues reminiscent of blooming flowers, while others resemble the feathers of a peacock. This enchanting iridescence, when illuminated by sunlight, creates a rainbow-like array of colors on its surface. While rainbow white Mother of Pearl is the most well-known, gray Mother of Pearl is even more mysterious, capable of refracting ever-changing rainbow colors.

Maintenance

To maintain the luster and color of Mother of Pearl, it is important to avoid contact with chemicals that can cause erosion, such as perfumes, sweat, and cosmetics. Avoid wearing Mother of Pearl jewelry while bathing or swimming.
Due to its Mohs hardness of only 3-4, Mother of Pearl jewelry should not be stored together with other jewelry to prevent scratching. It is recommended to gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth.
Since Mother of Pearl contains a certain amount of moisture, it is important to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or placing it in dry environments, as this can cause dehydration and cracking. Store Mother of Pearl in a cool and shaded area.

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