At Mother Nacre, we celebrate the organic beauty of baroque pearls, untamed, free-formed, and rich with character. Unlike conventional, perfectly round pearls, we embrace the irregularities that make each baroque pearl unique. We also offer hand-carved cabochon pendants which are made of pure mother of pearl, the iridescent inner layer of certain mollusk shells, such as oysters or abalone.
Our carefully sourced pearls come in an array of different shapes, sizes, and iridescent hues. Each pearl is a small miracle of nature, shaped over time into an exquisite, unpredictable form, a testament to the artistry of the sea, where each pearl tells a story.
By choosing baroque pearls, we honor their raw elegance and singular beauty, crafting jewelry that celebrates imperfection and the rarity of true uniqueness.
The creation of a pearl is caused by an unexpected guest within a mollusk. When an irritant, such as a fragment of shell, a parasite, or grain of sand, finds its way inside an oyster or freshwater mussel, the mollusk instinctively begins its delicate work of self-protection.
Layer by layer, it coats the intruder in nacre, a blend of proteins and aragonite, the mineral responsible for a pearl’s signature iridescence. Over time, these layers build, encasing the irritant within a pearl sac. Unlike round pearls, which form in symmetrical patterns, baroque pearls develop freely, shaped by their environment and the unique movements of the mollusk.
This process can take anywhere from six months to several years, with each pearl emerging as an unrepeatable little masterpiece. It is this unpredictable formation that gives baroque pearls their signature charm, making them a perfect celebration of nature’s raw beauty.
PEARLS:
1. Wear your pearls often. The natural oils from your skin enhance their luster and shine, and herein lies a beautiful symbiosis: while pearls illuminate your radiance, your touch, in turn, brings out their brilliance.
2. Pearls are organic gems and are sensitive to chemicals that can be found in personal care products. They can affect your pearls’ nacre over time and eventually weaken their beautiful shine. To protect them, apply any personal care products before putting on your pearls to minimize exposure.
3. Gently wipe them with a soft microfiber cloth after each wear to remove any residues and store them in your Mother Nacre pouch or a separate compartment in your jewelry box. Avoid using polishing cloths that are treated with cleaning agents as they can damage your precious pearls.
STERLING SILVER:
Gently wipe your 925 sterling silver with the provided Mother Nacre microfiber cloth after each wear to remove residues. Sterling silver, an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, naturally tarnishes when exposed to common elements. To remove light tarnish, clean the silver gently with lukewarm water and mild, non-detergent soap, avoiding the cabochon pendant, then dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. To keep your piece radiant and shiny, avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, personal care products, or chemicals. To keep it safe, store it in your Mother Nacre pouch or a separate jewelry box compartment.
GOLD-FILL:
Gently wipe your gold-fill piece with the provided Mother Nacre microfiber cloth after each wear to remove residues. Gold-filled components are tarnish-resistant due to a thick, pressure-bonded gold layer. To keep your piece radiant and shiny, avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, personal care products, or chemicals. To keep it safe, store it in your Mother Nacre pouch or a separate jewelry box compartment.
Yes! We love bringing unique visions to life through custom designs. Whether you’re looking for a personalized twist on one of our existing pieces or dreaming up something entirely new, we’re happy to collaborate and create a one-of-a-kind treasure just for you.
Reach out via our contact form or send us a note at julia@mothernacre.com to start the conversation—we’d love to hear your ideas!