Mother-of-pearl is a natural material with extraordinary beauty. Its name means "mother of pearls". Mother-of-pearl covers the inner surface of a pearl shell and is almost identical in composition to pearls. It is distinguished by a rich palette of colors and shades.
Since ancient times, the beauty and splendor of mother-of-pearl jewelry has been admired in people's hearts. Products made from this amazing stone have been found even in Egyptian tombs. The inhabitants of Ancient Rome valued mother-of-pearl on a par with pearls and considered it a symbol of wisdom and power. Decorations were inlaid with mother-of-pearl, the walls of palaces and household items were decorated. Mother-of-pearl came to Europe from the East and began to be considered an exotic miracle there.
In Russia, mother-of-pearl appeared in the 18th century along with the fashion for European costume. It was used by court jewelers for the manufacture of extraordinarily beautiful jewelry, incl. necklaces, pendants and pendants. Clothes with mother-of-pearl buttons came into fashion. In addition, it was actively used to inlay temple utensils, pieces of furniture, musical instruments, exquisite caskets and snuff boxes, combs and fans. Today, mother-of-pearl continues to be used in the manufacture of jewelry and for interior decoration.
Bowls and goblets were made from large mother-of-pearl shells. The sparkling layer was carefully polished from the inside and outside, sometimes an openwork pattern was carved on its surface. The stand was made of precious metal.
Mother-of-pearl consists mainly of carbonic lime, which contains a small amount of organic matter. In its brilliant tints, it reflects the interplay of white, purple, emerald and blue. In this case, the color overflows are due not to the presence of a coloring matter, but to the structure of the shell itself, consisting of the smallest plates separated by thin air layers capable of refracting light rays.
Mother-of-pearl is a fairly durable material that does not break even under the influence of blows, but only gives a break. But he is afraid of the sun, becoming fragile under its influence and losing its luster.
Since ancient times, it is believed that mother of pearl has medicinal properties. According to alchemists, pearl powder can heal almost any disease. In modern cosmetology, in the manufacture of creams, the anti-aging and whitening properties of the "pearl extract" are used. It is believed that mother-of-pearl talismans contribute to the overall health of the body and increase immunity. Also, mother of pearl is credited with the ability to take a person out of a state of depression. Pearl earrings are recommended to improve your hearing.
It is believed that the energy of this amazing stone strengthens family relationships, brings peace, tranquility and material well-being to the house, protects it from the effects of evil forces. Astrologers recommend using mother-of-pearl talismans for people born under the sign of Pisces and Aquarius.
In the old days, travelers who set off on a long journey were given a plate or mother-of-pearl jewelry with them as a sign that their homes were eagerly awaiting their return.
Thanks to the extraordinary beauty and mysterious shimmer of the stone, products made of mother-of-pearl never go out of fashion. In addition, they are distinguished by their low price, which allows people with almost any income level to purchase them.
