How to Use Mother of Pearl

The inside layer of certain fresh and salt water mollusks contain a luminescent substance called mother-of-pearl or nacre. It comes from three main sources. The tropical seas of Asia have the pearl oyster. Freshwater pearl mussel is found in the rivers of United States, Europe and parts of Asia. The last source is abalone in the Pacific regions. Here are some ways to use mother-of-pearl.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Tint the natural colors of mother-of-pearl artificially to create any decorative color. Natural shades vary from shiny white to a mix of pink and green, or multi-colored to a matte finish of silvery gray.

2. Cut mother-of-pearl into unique shapes and laminate to ceramic tile then coat with heavy lacquer for a glossy durable finish. It can also be used to clad sinks.

3. Decorate any room with furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl from the Renaissance and Baroque period.

4. Use mother-of-pearl with the feng shui style to attract wealth and prosperity. It is used as a symbol of good luck and can be carried around in your pocket like a treasured coin.

5. Make gorgeous jewelry like rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants and watches. Jewelry boxes can also be decorated with mother-of-pearl for an elegant touch. Don't forget those beautiful shirt buttons too.

6. Add a special touch to any musical instrument like piano keys. Some guitars, violins, saxophones and trumpets are detailed with mother-of-pearl.

7. "Seed" a mollusk by introducing an irritant to it and it will culture a pearl as opposed to the mollusk forming a genuine pearl by itself in nature.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use harsh chemicals on mother-of-pearl because it scratches easily and the thin layers can wear off.

[sheatfootloose]

on 10/25/2008 Please can anyone tell me how to smooth off a mother-of-pearl spoon with a chipped edge?
Sheila