Mother of Pearl

Nacre – also known as mother of pearl, is the substance produced by some molluscs that coats the inner layer of their shells. Freshwater pearl mussel shells, the outer coating of pearls and the inside layer of the pearl oyster are also made of nacre.

It is prized for being a resilient, strong and iridescent material that can be used for many types of design purposes including in cabinet making and silversmithing. The natural black and white nacre can be tinted to produce almost any colour.

Nacre is also used to produce ceramic tiles, where nacre tesserae are cut into shapes and laminated onto the tile. It can also be glued to fiberglass producing panels which can be used for internal decoration such as for floors, walls, countertops and doors.

Mother of pearl is also used for buttons with the Cockney Pearly Kings and Queens of London exemplifying a very elaborate use of these. It is also used for knife and gun handle inlays, watches and other jewellery.