liv·ing jew·el·ry | ˈli-viŋ jü-əl-rē
noun
Jewelry materials derived from living organisms
Living jewelry is a term used to describe any type of precious stone or jewelry that is derived from living organisms. This includes pearls, cultured pearls, fresh-water pearls, and mother of pearl coral. Pearls are among the most popular types of living jewelry and are derived from shelled mollusks. The hard, refractive object produced by these animals are made from calcium carbonate, the same material as the animal’s shell, but in a tighter, more controlled setting. Pearls in their purest form are often valued equally to gemstones and are regularly used in necklaces, pendants, and earrings. A pearl is something rare and beautiful that is found in an unexpected place and has been used to symbolize such for centuries.
