The Mother of Pearl
The Mother of pearl, also known Nacre, is a smooth crystalline substance produced by some mollusks as an inner shell layer that creates the iridescent visual effect. It also makes up the outer coating of pearls. Nacre is made of the same material that forms the inside of the shell.
This combination of calcium carbonate and protein is both lighter and stronger than concrete. This resilient material is lightweight and transparent, allowing light to pass through its surface, creating a subtle glow on the surface. Not all mollusk shells have a nacre coating. The primary distinction between a shell that has a mother of pearl coating and a shell that does not is the iridescent quality. Mother of pearl has a very distinct multi-colored effect and a faint glow similar to other optically impressive moon-like gemstones.
White Mother of Pearl
The White Mother of Pearl or the Pinctada maxima is the largest oyster species that grows up to 20-30cm in diameter. Its shells can grow up to 300 mm.
Most of our shells are harvested from pearl farms in Palawan, Sulu Mindanao and in the Bicol Region of the Philippines.
Blacklip Tahiti Mother of Pearl
The quality of pearls coming from the Blacklip Mother of Pearl or the Pinctada margaritifera is the highest quality out of all the pearl oysters. The oysters produce gray, black or dark lustrous pearls with shells growing for about 200-250 mm.
It's important to note that Tahitian pearls are the only naturally "black" pearls. Black Akoya and black freshwater pearls are dyed.
Brownlip Mother of Pearl
The Brownlip Mother of Pearl is another variation of the Pinctada maxima oyster species that grows up to 20-30cm in diameter. Its shells can grow up to 300 mm.
The oyster produces irridescent pink to light/medium brown pearls.
Goldlip Mother of Pearl
The Goldlip Mother of Pearl is another variation of the Pinctada maxima oyster species that grows up to 20-30cm in diameter. Its shells can grow up to 300 mm.
The oyster produces irridescent champagne and gold pearls.
See material catalog here.
