Origin and Meaning of Mother-of-Pearl Jewelry
A natural material with numerous benefits used for millennia
Mother-of-pearl is an organic substance. When a foreign body enters a shell, it produces layers of mother-of-pearl to protect itself. This natural process, which takes several years, is also responsible for natural pearls; mother-of-pearl is often referred to as the mother of pearl. In jewelry, the most popular color of mother-of-pearl remains white mother-of-pearl.
The iridescent appearance of white mother-of-pearl explains its millennia-long popularity. In Mexico, mother-of-pearl necklaces are said to protect against spirits, while in Polynesia, it is believed to come from the ocean gods. In China, it symbolizes immortality. Mother-of-pearl jewelry has often been worn during sacred ceremonies; today, white mother-of-pearl jewelry is very popular for bridal jewelry for the bride or her bridesmaids.
The blue, silver, or pink rainbow reflections of mother-of-pearl change with the light, giving it a captivating, almost magical look. White mother-of-pearl is said to have numerous meanings and soothing virtues against stress. It is believed to open the solar chakra and regulate our moods. Wearing mother-of-pearl for your well-being in addition to its beauty? Why not indulge?
The Artisanal Craft of Mother-of-Pearl
Mother-of-pearl is used in jewelry, watchmaking-jewelry, and fashion. White mother-of-pearl is therefore perfectly suited for our high-fashion jewelry collections with a couture style.
Despite its apparent delicacy, layered or inlaid mother-of-pearl is a material strong enough to be transformed into everyday jewelry. Its lightness allows for the creation of opulent adornments, such as the baroque jewelry from our Parisian house, without weighing down the piece.
Thanks to their expertise in the intersection of art and craftsmanship, our workshops create adornments with delicate mother-of-pearl inlays. Mother-of-pearl necklaces, mother-of-pearl bracelets for women, cabochon rings, or white mother-of-pearl pendant necklaces: all jewelry is enhanced by mother-of-pearl. Our Parisian house collaborates with a mother-of-pearl artisan who masters the traditional techniques of working with mother-of-pearl. Cutting natural mother-of-pearl, polishing, and inlays are done by hand.
Mother-of-pearl, enhanced by the technique of plique-à-jour enamel, brings to life the delicate and refined Mindoro mother-of-pearl jewelry collection.
A pearly white color can also be achieved through the work of glass paste in a pearlescent finish. Several of our fashion jewelry pieces mix genuine mother-of-pearl with pearly cabochons, such as these timeless Louise earrings.
How to Wear Mother-of-Pearl Jewelry?
Pearly Jewelry for Every Occasion
Mother-of-pearl can be worn in both summer and winter. In summer, its mineral aspect is appreciated as if it has just emerged from the waves in beach jewelry. In winter, its immaculate look is among the most sophisticated. White mother-of-pearl jewelry enhances all skin tones. It brings out the glow of fair skin and creates contrasts on darker skin tones.
Bohemian Style or Vintage Jewelry
Ethnic jewelry is often made of mother-of-pearl, and our mixed high-fashion collections draw inspiration from this. Mother-of-pearl necklaces and pendants are perfect for your layering games if you enjoy wearing your jewelry in layers!
White mother-of-pearl pairs beautifully with other colors and materials, such as with gemstones or colored pearls for the Claudia mother-of-pearl earrings. The rhinestones wonderfully enhance the luster of mother-of-pearl. Our house combines Prestige crystals, pearly river pearls, and white mother-of-pearl for sparkling creations.
Beautiful mother-of-pearl jewelry is timeless; century after century, mother-of-pearl is worn for its elegance that withstands trends. Retro jewelry from the 1930s or contemporary mother-of-pearl pieces with vintage inspiration can be worn as evening jewelry.
Giving and Caring for Mother-of-Pearl Jewelry
The soft and feminine aspect of mother-of-pearl is associated with tenderness and purity. Giving a piece of mother-of-pearl jewelry to a new mother or her child is a lovely idea for a birth or baptism gift. Consider fine white mother-of-pearl rings, pendant necklaces with a mother-of-pearl medal, or a pair of dangling earrings in mother-of-pearl and river pearls, such as these Angélique sleepers or these Louise dangling earrings.
Wondering how to clean mother-of-pearl? Avoid applying perfumes and lotions to your mother-of-pearl jewelry and simply care for it with a soft, dry cloth to revive its natural shine. Store your Satellite Paris mother-of-pearl jewelry carefully, and it will accompany you for many years!