The Encyclopedia · Stones & materials
Mother-of-pearl
The iridescent lining of mollusk shells, used for inlays and carved motifs.
Mother-of-pearl is nacre, the iridescent inner lining of mollusk shells. It is cut into flat plaques for inlays, carved into buttons and motifs, and used for watch dials. Van Cleef & Arpels made it famous in the Alhambra collection, alongside onyx, malachite and lapis.
What to look for
Mother-of-pearl is soft and can crack or lose its luster. Check inlays for chips and lifting edges.
In the collection
Mother-of-pearl, available now
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