Object of the Day: Antique Mother of Pearl Brooch

I have a particular fondness for Mother of Pearl. The shine, the colors, the subtle glow—all appeal to me. Mother of Pearl was a favorite material during the Victorian era. Used as an inlay in furniture, papier mache objects and on metals, Mother of Pearl found a place in many a Victorian home. Of course, this precious material was also used in jewelry.


This Mother of Pearl brooch set in sterling silver is an excellent example of the Victorian love of this iridescent material. Hand-painted onto the pearl, a smartly dressed woman gazes confidently at us. In her red gown, delicate necklace and elegant hairdo, she seems to tell us that she’s a woman who knows her own mind. I found this brooch in a favorite antique store in Jefferson, Texas. Unsure of how to display her, my father assisted me by building yet another custom case—lined in red velvet and neatly ebonized by my mother. She now sits proudly in my bedroom, surveying everything in her path.

Mother of Pearl is a tasteful way to add a little sheen, not only to your wardrobe, but also your home. Many modern-made objects still utilize Mother of Pearl. From picture frames to caviar spoons, this beautiful material still finds its way into our lives.