How is Mother of Pearl Different from Pearls?

Mother of Pearl is used many in VCA jewelry, such as dupe van cleef necklace mother of pearl. According to popular belief, one reason why it’s called mother of pearl is that the nacre-lined shells are the belly in which pearls are produced. Indeed, mother of pearl and actual pearl gemstones do share some common characteristics. But that said, they’re also very different from one another. Below, we discuss some of the central ways that the mother of pearl differs from actual pearl gemstones.

Both mother of pearl and pearl gemstones are made of nacre. But mother of pearl refers specifically to the nacre-coated inner shell of the mollusk. Pearls, on the other hand, are made completely out of nacre. When an irritant gets trapped inside a mollusk, the mollusk, in order to protect itself, coats this irritant with layers upon layers of nacre until it develops into a pearl three to four years later.

The Difference in Supply and Availability

In addition to the difference in composition, mother of pearl and pearls also differ in their supply and availability. Especially compared to mother of pearl, pearls (like Akoya, South Sea, or Tahitian pearls) are much rarer. While most mollusks produce mother of pearl like fake 18k gold mother of pearl alhambra 10 flowers necklace, the same cannot be said for pearl gemstones. In fact, only a very low percentage of mollusks produce pearls. Even with advances in pearl cultivation that create ideal conditions for pearl development, an oyster or mussel developing a pearl is never guaranteed. Lastly, more species of mollusks are able to produce mother of pearls, while only a few types have the ability to create gem-quality pearls.

Value of Mother of Pearl Jewelry VS Pearl Gemstone Jewelry

Because mother of pearl is much less rare than pearl gemstones, it does not hold value as well. Considering that there is a much larger supply of mother of pearl. It’s easy to understand why it is so affordable. While pearl jewelry will retain its value forever, this isn’t necessarily true for mother of pearl jewelry.

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