Art Deco began as an art movement in the 1920's and 1930's and is essentially a style of decoration expressing the sleekness of the machine age. It consists principally of geometrical designs, often in the form of parallel straight lines, zigzags, chevrons and stylized floral motifs. But the streamlined styling of modern technology combines with patterns and icons taken from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome along with influences from Mayan and Aztec cultures.

These earrings combine the Art Deco form with Mother of Pearl, or nacre which is the iridescent substance that is a secretion of the mantle tissue of some fresh and salt-water mollusks. The chief sources of nacre are the pearl oyster, found primarily in Asia and freshwater pearl mussels, which live in many rivers of the United States, Europe, and Asia; and the abalone of California, Japan, and other Pacific regions.

This iridescent inner layer has been used for centuries in making jewelry as well as furniture, art and architecture.

Ho Hsien-Ku (the Immortal Maiden) - One of the Eight Immortals of the Taoist tradition - dreamed that she could become immortal by eating a powder made of mother of pearl. She appears only to men of great virtue.

Our Sterling Silver Art Deco Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings displays this beautiful iridescence in a sleek, modern design.