How to clean vca mother of pearl?

Ever wondered what is a mother of pearl and what types of mother of pearl jewellery are available? We give you the lowdown on all things mother of pearl jewellery below.

Words by Sam Bailey

Coco Chanel may have been the first to make pearls a fashion statement, but now every iteration and type of pearl has become popular in jewellery, with mother of pearl jewellery at the heart of the pearl obsession.

While Chanel was famous for layering mother of pearl necklaces, the trend has definitely moved towards all types from plain necklaces to mother of pearl earrings, mother of pearl bracelets and mother of pearl pendant pieces.

Just look to Sarah Jessica Parker who made a single mother of pearl necklace strand famous in Sex and The City or Harry Styles who has made mother of pearl necklace chokers big for men.

Or for queen energy if you will, you only need to look to Amal Clooney wearing mother of pearl earrings in tear drop form or Gigi Hadid wearing irregular shaped mother of pearl earrings (just like our Keshi Pearl Earrings) to know all mother of pearl jewellery types are in.

But before we talk about the mother of pearl jewellery we’re loving and give you a hot take of our edits this season we want to make sure you have all the pearls of wisdom you need (such as what is mother of pearl)so you can select the highest quality mother of pearl jewellery and know how to take care of it.

Discover all things mother of pearl jewellery by checking out our guide to pearls that features both a Q&A and curated edit of the latest mother of pearl jewellery available at Francesca below.

We take it you know what a pearl is and can easily distinguish it due to its luminescent nature, afterall you’ve stumbled upon our site so you have likely browsed our beautiful mother of pearl jewellery collection.

But do you know what makes pearls that way or what is a mother of pearl exactly, and how different pearls are formed? Let us give you the lowdown.

When it comes to mother of pearl jewellery there are a few simple things you may want to learn so you know exactly what you’re getting. Such as the basics like how is mother of pearl harvested (i.e. is it direct from mother nature?) and is mother of pearl a gemstone or is mother of pearl shell?

We do a deep dive on your common mother of pearl Q&A below, read on for pearl tips and products below…

Let’s start with the fact a mother of pearl is not a ‘pearl’ per say it’s a description of the shade, the iridescent substance found in the inner layer of mollusk shells, called nacre.

Often people confuse the mother of pearl shell for the pearl object found within the shell, but the two are separate things. What may be confusing is that jewellery can be labelled as ‘mother of pearl jewellery’ such as a ‘mother of pearl necklace’ and people often associate a pearl necklace as being the same thing.

However pearl fans we’re here to confirm that the texture, shape and luminescent quality of mother of pearl shell (nacre) will always be different to that of a singular, circular pearl.

The simplest way to understand it is: mother of pearl is the inside lining of a mollusk (nacre) or a mother of pearl shell, while pearls are formed from the nacre and born out of the shell to become their own formation.

First things first, let’s talk how mother of pearl is made as that will help explain ‘how is mother of pearl harvested?’

In a nutshell, when pearl farmers or any stimulus irritates the inside of the shell, mollusks secrete ‘nacre’ that forms along the surface of the shell giving that iridescent glow known as mother of pearl.

Nacre is very common, but producing beaded pearls isn’t, so when it comes to just ‘how is mother of pearl harvested?’ that part is simple. Pearl farmers or oyster farmers simply scoop the mollusks out of the freshwater, sea or farm they are grown in. However each country and location varies as to the type of mother of pearl harvested.

For example, did you know, Australia and New Zealand produce some of the most vibrant and lustrous mother of pearl shells (found in abalone) in the world with all different shades from blue, green and purple?

However, abalone itself cannot produce pearls, mollusks that produce pearls are quite rare which is why pearls are valuable. This also explains for those wondering ‘is mother of pearl a gemstone?’ No it’s not, as it’s only a shell.

Much the same way you would any other jewellery - with lots of gentle TLC. The main difference to other jewellery types like sterling silver or solid gold metals is that mother of pearl jewellery is much more delicate.

Due to the fragile nature it’s important to learn how to clean mother of pearl jewellery and also be mindful how much exposure it gets to water.

A basic principle when it comes to how to clean mother of pearl jewellery is to think: chemical free, careful touch and cleaning the surface sans water.

Sure pearls and mother of pearls may come from freshwater or the sea but the iridescent nature of the nacre (be it in pearl form or mother of pearl shell) is delicate and can be easily harmed with exposure to too much irritants including water or chemicals like chlorine found in pool water.

Two reasons for this: if you are wearing a mother of pearl necklace for example, the string will become wet and in time this will wear down the necklace and also lead to concerns such as is mother of pearl durable.

Second, if exposed to hot water such as in a shower it can harm the nacre so in this case if wondering can mother of pearl get wet we recommend no. However outside of the shower, pool or beach it’s still recommended to wear them often as pearls get better with wear.

As for how to clean mother of pearl? Keep it simple by using a microfibre cloth either just lightly damp or dry to brush over the surface and polish it back to luminous perfection.

Or if it’s a mother of pearl necklace and you can tell the pearls are getting a build up of debris use a light brush of a toothbrush around the edge to remove grime.

We’re so glad you asked, as we’re loving all things pearl and mother of pearl jewellery and have a range of beautiful pearl collections at Francesca right now, as inspired by celebrity style trends mentioned above.

See our mother of pearl jewellery and general pearl edits below with links to the direct collections. And yes, you don’t even need to ask, ‘can you wear mother of pearl everyday?’ If Harry Styles can, you can too.

Mother of pearl jewellery pieces:

Pearl jewellery selects:

Mother of pearl jewelry is back. Not just that it is here again, but it is also starting a revolution in the fashion industry. Held in high esteem for the unique shine it gives the piece, the mother of pearl has become one of the most desired organic materials to shoulder her classic style, based on the principles of sophistication and gracefulness. Keep reading to find more about this look that gives women’s jewelry a whole new dimension.

WHAT IS MOTHER OF PEARL?

Unlike minerals, mother of pearl is formed by a living organism; hence, its categorization as an organic gem. It comes from the multicolored nacre coating of the mollusk, which consists of a blend of minerals that protect it from parasites and foreign objects. Quite often, mother of pearl is mistaken for the outer part of a pearl, while actually it is the shiny, thin layer of nacre that is attached directly to the mollusk's shell. The conclusion? Mother of pearl and pearl are two different materials, although they both come from the same place. Mollusks without an iridescent quality cannot produce mother of pearl.

Mother of pearl is remarkable for the multicolor effect and the beautiful shimmer that make extraordinary pieces of jewelry. Thanks to these characteristics, it is also referred to as the “moonlike” gemstone. Despite the fact that it is a relatively soft gemstone, mother of pearl has been used for a very long time in various industries, from jewelry to architecture.

Mother of Pearl Bead Necklace

THE MOP’S STYLE EVOLUTION

The first official mother-of-pearl appearances in the fashion world took place in 13th century Britain, representing the highly-prized buttons of the royalty’s garments. This style has soon switched to a tradition, so today, we can still see mother-of-pearl buttons on the suits and dresses of the royal family, many of them being left as a heritage from previous generations.

However, there is a gemological evidence showing that the origins of mother of pearl jewelry date back to 2600 B.C Mesopotamia, where it was used in silver settings to create adornments for the ruler and his closest people. In ancient Egypt, mother of pearl jewelry was worn only by high-class citizens and it was treasured as a lucky charm. Due to its importance and value in the Egyptian culture, this organic material was also applied to the making of pyramids, which was later discovered and officially confirmed by renowned historians. Native American tribes were other huge admirers of mother of pearl jewelry, known for their thousand-year-old jewelry crafting skills. They developed new silversmithing techniques, some of which have introduced the basics of modern silversmithing.

The truth is, mother of pearl looks incredibly aesthetic and it can be used decoratively in many different ways. When it comes to jewelry in particular, artisans rely on its complexity to create irresistible necklaces, bracelets, earrings and fashion rings. This smooth, iridescent material comes in a multitude of shiny, rainbow hues mixed together, ranging from charming pinks to stunning blue-greens. They perfectly display how magnificent and savory mother of pearl truly is.

Mother of Pearl Ring with Diamonds

NATURAL OR MAN-MADE?

Like most gems on the jewelry market, mother of pearl is also available as natural and man-made. (*other popular terms for “man-made” are: lab-created, lab-grown, synthetic, cultured, etc.) Clearly, natural mother of pearl is the more expensive option, due to the fact that it is extremely rare; it takes at least three years for a mollusk to produce the thin layer of nacre and many complex processes to make it ready to work with. Shopping man-made mother of pearl jewelry, on the other hand, is a way better alternative in several aspects:

1. It is cheaper.

2. It is environmental-friendly.

3. It is trendy.

Mother of Pearl Dangle Earrings

WEARING & MAINTENANCE

Acquiring mother of pearl jewelry may not be as easy, neither is keeping it into a good shape. Here are the DOs and DON’Ts to stick to:

» DO wear it often.

It might seem unusual, but the more mother of pearl jewelry is worn, the better. Thanks to the natural oils secreted by the skin, the luster and robustness of the material are preserved, which consequently expands its lifespan.

» DO clean it when necessary.

It is good and recommended to clean the jewelry once in a while, especially after being frequently used for a longer period of time. The easiest and safest way to remove the dust and dirt is by using a damp microfiber cloth that has been previously soaked in warm, soapy water. In case the grime is too dense, use a soft toothbrush and brush carefully until it is completely removed.

Mother of Pearl Bracelet

» DON’T expose it to harsh chemicals.

The biggest enemy of mother of pearl jewelry are harsh chemicals, such as home cleaning products, perfumes and certain types of makeup. Even the acidity of natural lemon juice is harmful for mother of pearl’s strength and shimmer. Other alkaline and acidic substances, like baking soda, alcohol and vinegar are also a big no-no for this type of jewelry.

» Store it mindfully.

Mother of pearl is a popular jewelry element because of its iridescent appearance and affordable price. While a pearl and mother of pearl are both made of nacre, they are not the same. When making mother of pearl, beads are cut from natural sea shells then dipped in a solution containing their iridescent mother of pearl powder along with coloring agents and binders. Once dry, the mother of pearl is strung together in sets. However, the nacre layer is thinner than you would find on real pearls so they are somewhat more delicate.

You can test for the authenticity of a mother of pearl bead with this simple test: carefully, tap it against your teeth. It will "click," whereas a plastic bead would make a muted sound.

Although Mother of Pearl is an affordable jewelry option, proper care is still required to protect your piece. To do this you must keep it away from direct sunlight, strong sources of heat or very dry atmospheres. If the Mother of Pearl becomes dry, the surfaces will crack and become less resistant to wear and tear. Also, be sure to remove your pearls when applying cosmetics and perfumes.

To avoid the risk of discoloration and yellowing you must properly care for your jewelry. Skin conditions can sometimes produce acidity that is harmful to pearls. Make sure it is the last thing you put on when dressing. Keep your jewelry clean as perfumes, suntan lotion, humidity and perspiration all affect its look and longevity.

PROPER CLEANING

It is best not to clean mother of pearl jewelry with harsh cleaners, strong abrasives or alcohol as they will destroy the original color. Never clean your pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner or use detergent, baking soda or ammonia based products.

This will remove any skin oils or dirt without scratching the soft delicate surface. If wet, lay them on a soft cloth to dry before storing - do not hang them to dry. If they are strung on silk be aware that silk shrinks if it gets wet. If you care for them properly they will last a long time. If your necklace is particularly dirty take it to a jeweler or use only recommended jewelry cleaners.

NICKEL AND COPPER ALLERGIES

Most jewelry contains alloys. Allergic reactions to metals such as nickel or copper can cause a chemical reaction frequently changing the color of your jewelry. But because pearls are generally hypoallergenic, reactions such as these, are rare.

We recommend avoiding contact with water to prevent any damage to your creation. Mother-of-pearl can be delicately cleaned with a soft, dry cloth. As mother-of-pearl is a naturally soft substance, it is susceptible to small scratches on its surface.