Nacre Collection

Black-lip oyster, Pinctada margaritifera (Pearl muscle, Mytilus margaritifer)
FLO4681788 Black-lip oyster, Pinctada margaritifera (Pearl muscle, Mytilus margaritifer). Illustration drawn and engraved by Richard Polydore Nodder

USA, Montana, Missoula. Mother-of-pearl buttons. Credit as: Don Paulson / Jaynes Gallery / DanitaDelimont.com

Details of Topkapi Harem, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

The Conquest of Mexico (1519-21). Hernan Cortes in Zempuala
The Conquest of Mexico (1519-1521). Hernan Cortes in Zempuala, welcomed by the Cacique Gordo (Chief Gordo). Detail. Table belonging to a set of 6 made with the enconchado technique. Anonymous author

The Conquest of Mexico (1519-21)
The Conquest of Mexico (1519-1521). D- Hernan Cortes appoints ordinary mayors of the town, E- La Malinche makes the Totonac understand who Cortes is. Detail

St. Cecilia, 1903 (painted relief, mother of pearl)
HMP90490 St. Cecilia, 1903 (painted relief, mother of pearl) by Marriott, Frederick (1860-1941); 62.5x31 cm; Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston, Lancashire

A Pearly Summer Seascape (oil on canvas)
REA197439 A Pearly Summer Seascape (oil on canvas) by Brett, John (1831-1902); 25x48 cm; Private Collection; eRoyal Exchange Art Gallery at Cork Street, London; English, out of copyright

Fritillary butterflies
Queen of Spain fritillary, Issoria lathonia 1, dark green fritillary, Argynnis aglaja 2 and silver-washed fritillary, Argynnis paphia 3

Black-lip oyster, Pinctada margaritifera (Pearl muscle, Mytilus margaritifer). Illustration drawn and engraved by Richard Polydore Nodder

Collection of penholders, early 20th century (ivory, mother of pearl & wood)
CHT225278 Collection of penholders, early 20th century (ivory, mother of pearl & wood) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; eArchives Charmet; French, out of copyright

The Kapidgi Bachi staff and throne (wood, textile and mother of pearl)
CHT179318 The Kapidgi Bachi staff and throne (wood, textile and mother of pearl) by Turkish School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Port, c. 1895 (oil on panel)
NUL116772 The Port, c.1895 (oil on panel) by Boudin, Eugene Louis (1824-98); 26.5x21.5 cm; Private Collection; French, out of copyright

Occasional table, detail, c. 1890 (ebony, mother-of-peal & coloured wood)
2972966 Occasional table, detail, c.1890 (ebony, mother-of-peal & coloured wood) by English School, (19th century); The Geffrye Museum of the Home, London

Occasional table, c. 1890 (ebony, mother-of-peal & coloured wood)
2972965 Occasional table, c.1890 (ebony, mother-of-peal & coloured wood) by English School, (19th century); The Geffrye Museum of the Home, London

Mrs Elizabeth Birch and Her Daughter, 1741 (oil on canvas)
FIT111412 Mrs Elizabeth Birch and Her Daughter, 1741 (oil on canvas) by Highmore, Joseph (1692-1780); 119.1x97.2 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; eFitzwilliam Museum; English

Coffer of scribe. Spain
Coffer of scribe. Made of wood with mother-of-pearl inlay work. Granadine Circle. 14th century. National Archaeological Museum. Madrid. Spain

Oyster shell with pearl C013 / 6623
Oyster shell with pearl. Pearls are accretions of nacre (calcium carbonate) secreted by certain oysters and mussels. The presence of a foreign body (such as a parasite or a grain of sand)

Coloured SEM of mother of pearl from oyster shell
Mother of pearl. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of calcite crystals in mother of pearl from an oyster (shell)

Conquest of Mexico. 1519. Anonimous. Table
Conquest of Mexico. Anonimous table. 1676-1700. Cortes greeted by the Cacique Gordo in Zempoala. Museum of America. Madrid. Spain

Crustacea: Turtle soup: Pearl diving: Catching turtles: Leeches: Tooth powder: Pearl buttons: Crab pots: Shrimpers: Cowrie shell money: Sepia: Tortoiseshell

Indian Shell-cutter: He is holding the shell with his feet and cutting through it with blade mounted on handle. Mother-of-Pearl or Nacre from shells was used for inlays, knife handles, buttons

Opened Australian Brooch Clam shell (Neotrigonia margaritacea), close up

Opened Rayed Pearl Oyster shell (Pinctada radiata), close up

Iridescent inside surface of Abalone shell

Mother of pearl fabric C014 / 0316
Mother of pearl fabric. Close-up of a fabric (left) made using strips of mother of pearl, next to a pearly seashell (right), the source of mother of pearl

Imitation mother of pearl fabric C014 / 0231
Imitation mother of pearl fabric. Close-up of a fabric made using plastic that has been treated to look like mother of pearl

Imitation mother of pearl fabric C014 / 0230
Imitation mother of pearl fabric. Close-up of a fabric made using plastic that has been treated to look like mother of pearl

Throne of Tutankhamun. ca. 1340 BC. Back of the throne depicting Queen Ankhesenamun putting the finishing touches to the kings toilet. Tutankhamuns Treasure

Coastal shell fragments. Shells are grown by many marine invertebrates for protection. These are the shells of marine molluscs, and are formed from nacre

Cultured freshwater pearls
Cultured pearls from freshwater mussels. Pearls are accretions of nacre (calcium carbonate) secreted by certain oysters and mussels

Natural freshwater pearls
Natural pearls from freshwater mussels. Pearls are accretions of nacre (calcium carbonate) secreted by certain oysters and mussels

Pearl in a shell. Pearls are accretions of nacre (calcium carbonate) secreted by certain oysters and mussels. The presence of a foreign body (such as a parasite or a grain of sand)

Mother of Pearl carving. French Polynesia
Lawson Wood / SplashdownDirect

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Nacre: A Shimmering Tale of History, Art, and Nature" From the ancient conquests of Mexico to the delicate buttons in Missoula, Montana, it has left its iridescent mark throughout history. In 1519-21, Hernan Cortes marveled at the beauty as he explored Zempuala during his conquest of Mexico. Its captivating luster enchanted him just as it continues to captivate us today. Across the vast landscapes of America's Montana region, mother-of-pearl buttons adorned garments with their ethereal glow. These small treasures brought a touch of elegance to everyday life. Even in faraway Spain, a coffer belonging to a scribe showcased intricate designs made from this precious material. The craftsmanship displayed on its surface spoke volumes about the value placed on nacre during that time. Traveling further east to Istanbul's Topkapi Palace Harem, details embellished with mother-of-pearl added an opulent touch to this historical sanctuary. The shimmering fragments reflected light and created an enchanting ambiance fit for royalty. Artists have also been inspired by nacre's allure. In 1903, St. Cecilia was immortalized through a painted relief where her delicate features were enhanced by mother-of-pearl accents - a testament to its ability to elevate artistry beyond imagination. Nature itself contributes to the story through fritillary butterflies fluttering gracefully amidst fields adorned with these luminous shells. Their wings mirror the exquisite patterns found within nature's own creations. Deep beneath turquoise waters lies another source of wonder - black-lip oysters such as Pinctada margaritifera produce pearls coveted for their radiant hues and unparalleled beauty. Nacre becomes not only an adornment but also a symbol of nature's hidden treasures waiting patiently beneath ocean depths. The early 20th century witnessed penholders crafted from ivory, mother of pearl, and wood.