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5 Responses to “A wedding jewelry question: is mother-of-pearl real pearl?”

1. PugMom Says:
   March 9th, 2010 at 7:15 pm

   Mother of pearl, also called nacre, is an iridescent layer of material which forms the shell lining of many mollusks. Pearl oysters and abalone are both sources of mother of pearl, which is widely used as an inlay in jewelry, furniture, and musical instruments. Mother of pearl comes in several natural colors, and is often bleached and dyed for decorative use. The dye retains the shimmering layers which make mother of pearl so sought after.
   Two substances actually combine to create mother of pearl. The first is plates of aragonite, a material which is secreted by the mollusk. Aragonite contains calcium carbonate and conchiolin, a natural protein. Alone, the plates are very hard, but also very brittle. As a result, the organism also secretes organic material similar to silk to layer between the plates. The result is a strong, flexible material which can withstand hard use.
   Mollusks create mother of pearl to protect themselves. In addition to forming part of the shell, mother of pearl also insulates mollusks from bacterial infection, and reduces irritation from organic material which drifts into the shell. Irregularities often form in the mother of pearl as a result of irritation. If the irritation is extensive enough, the mollusk will form a large bump, prized in the human world as a pearl. Only the outer layer of the pearl is covered in mother of pearl, which is why it is important to care well for pearls so that they do not crack, revealing the source of irritation beneath.
   The pearly lining of mollusk shells has long been noted by people living near the ocean. Many early cultures used mother of pearl extensively in jewelry, and it came to be highly prized. Although the popularity of mother of pearl has waned, many modern cultures can still appreciate the beauty of mother of pearl jewelry, and elaborate furniture inlays. Some homes integrate mother of pearl into tiles and other fixtures, although it is no longer used as extensively as it once was.
   Like other substances found in nature, mother of pearl develops irregularities as it forms. As a result, every piece of mother of pearl jewelry or inlay is slightly different. Sometimes these differences are appreciated, and the artisan works with the unusual features of a specific piece to highlight them. These irregularities may also appear in cheaper jewelry which is not as meticulously constructed. Use mild soaps and water on mother of pearl to clean it, and avoid storing it with jewelry which may scratch

   And since you fall for this ridiculuousness, here are some more to consider. wow, you’re gonna be busy trying to keep up:
   Here are some lesser-known superstitions and folklore about weddings and marriage.

   It is good luck for a bride to dream of her wedding day.
   Feed a cat out of an old shoe and your wedding day will be a happy one.
   If a cat sneezes in front of a bride on the day before her wedding, it is a sign of very good luck.
   It is bad luck for a bride to read the marriage service on the day before her wedding.
   A woman should not marry a man whose surname begins with the same letter as her own. It is bad luck.
   It is unlucky to marry someone born in the same month as you.
   It will bring bad luck to marry on your birthday.
   Be sure that the marriage is completed between the half hour and the hour.
   If it rains on the wedding day, the bride will cry all her married life.
   Postponing a wedding is very bad luck.
   It is bad luck for the bride to eat anything while she is adorning for her marriage. Wait until after the ceremony.
   After the bride is completely dressed and ready for the ceremony, she must not look into a mirror again until she is wed. The bride may dress before a mirror but should leave something off until after she walks away, like a necklace or earring.
   Wear earrings when you are married and you will always be happy.
   It is bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the actual ceremony.
   It is bad luck to make your own wedding gown.
   It is a sign of very good luck to find a spider crawling on your wedding gown.
   Pearls are the symbols of tears. For each pearl that the bride wears, her husband will give her a cause for weeping.
   A bride should have her hair dressed and veil put on by a happily married woman.
   Good luck will come to a bride if her veil is accidentally torn, especially if torn at the altar.
   Bad luck comes to the bride who shows her veil to anyone other than family before the wedding.
   In the saying something old, something new, the old should be something from a happily married woman, the borrowed should be an object of gold, and the sixpence, penny or new dime should be worn in the heel of the left shoe.
   The bride should always be happy if she wears or carries a bit of salt.
   The bridegroom should carry a horseshoe in his pocket for good luck.
   The bride should step into and out of the church with her right foot first. When stepping away from the altar she should also put the right
   References :
   http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-mother-of-pearl.htm

2. jellybeancounter Says:
   March 9th, 2010 at 7:52 pm

   Mother of pearl isn’t made from pearls, it’s actually from the shells of bivalves: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nacre
   References :

3. Jessica Says:
   March 9th, 2010 at 8:17 pm

   Mother of pear is actually the inside lining of certain shells so is not technically "real" pearl. Still lovely though so you are good there. While pearls symbolize tears, think of all the happy tears you’ve had!! I know I cried when I got engaged because I was so happy, cry at happy movies all the time, and will probably cry at my wedding!!
   References :

4. Stephanie Bride-to-Be 5/16/09 Says:
   March 9th, 2010 at 8:54 pm

   Its not actually pearl, but rather from the inside of a shell.

   "Mother-of-pearl: The pearlescent material on the inside of mollusk shells like abalone, oysters, and mussels. This material can be scraped off, sliced thin, and used as inlay on a variety of jewelry, furniture, etc."

   As far as the back luck/tears thing, I hadn’t heard of that before but I researched it.

   Here’s what I found: "Pearls symbolize tears. Depending on to whom you listen, this can be good or bad. Some old wives’ tales say that giving pearls to a romantic interest is bad luck, because the tears imply eventual separation. Other tales indicate that a bride wearing pearls will keep her from crying during the wedding ceremony."

   Pearls also symbolize fertility. "Ever since Vishnu gave the first pearl to his daughter on her wedding day, this myth has persisted. Some people believe that if a woman sleeps with a pearl under her pillow that she will conceive. Pearls are still a common wedding gift in hopes that the bride will bear many children."

   Pearls are widely known as a symbol of purity and innocence, which is why many brides choose them. Also many brides give them to their bridal party because they are elegant and timeless, something their girls can enjoy for years to come. It is the oldest known gem, and for centuries it was considered the most valuable.
   If you like the look of mother-of-pearl then go for that, but if you only chose it because of the "tears" thing I’d say go with the pearls. After all, they symbolize more good things than bad! In my opinion, they are much nicer for a wedding.
   I’m doing pearl strands and stud earrings for my bridesmaids and a pearl and crystal floating necklace for myself, and I love them! Save the mother-of-pearl for the cufflinks!

   Hope that helps! Best of luck with your wedding and congrats!!
   References :
   http://www.evesaddiction.com/glossary-m.html
   http://www.jewelry-paideia.com/reference/ref-pearl-jewelry-4.php

5. tewa Says:
   March 9th, 2010 at 9:41 pm

   jewelry store
   http://astore.amazon.com/watchjewelry-20
   References :

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