Mabe Pearl Necklace and Earrings

Redefining classic, this sophisticated Mabe Pearl Necklace and Earrings collection centers iridescent half spherical (Mabe) freshwater pearls in filigreed Bali circlets. Bezel-set with a 15mm pearl, the pendant is strung on a heavy Byzantine-style chain with S-hook clasp. The matching mabe pearl dangles are set with 8mm pearls. Sterling silver filigree, chain and findings. Natural variations ensure each Mabe Pearl Necklace and Pierced Earring will be one of a kind.

Specify:
Mabe Pearl Necklace Orig. $250.00 NOW $99.99 (Members $89.99)
Mabe Pearl Pierced Earrings Orig. $165.00 NOW $59.99 (Members $53.99)

Museum Provenance

This Mabe Pearl Necklace and Pierced Earrings ensemble is inspired by pearls in the National Gem and Mineral Collection in our National Museum of Natural History. Both freshwater and saltwater oysters and mussels create most of the world’s pearls. A pearl forms within the shell of a mollusk and is composed of conchilin and calcium carbonate which is secreted as nacre in many thin concentric layers to surround a foreign particle, thought to be a grain of sand. A “true pearl” develops when the grain enters the shell naturally; a “cultured pearl” is created by introducing the foreign particle manually. Since demand far exceeds the supply of natural pearls, most are now grown or cultured.

Every Smithsonian purchase will arrive with a museum provenance card explaining how it is adapted from or inspired by an object or objects in our collection.