Exploring Stones in the Divine Grace Fine Jewelry Pendant Collection

 Damian Robin and Sarah Chou, Contributing Writers

Celebrating the majestic beauty and virtues presented onstage at Shen Yun performances, each exquisitely crafted pendant in the Shen Yun Collections’ newest fine jewelry features a female dancer and intricate frame in 18kt gold. The dancer is in the graceful “Da She Yan” pose artfully set off by a backdrop of vibrantly gleaming stone—lapis, malachite,  pink opal, white mother of pearl, or gold mother of pearl. 

What are these stones?

These premium stones were selected by designers for their magical symbolism and aesthetic effect: the white and gold are the soothing mother of pearl, the wondrously deep blue is lapis, and the enchanting green in malachite.

White Mother of Pearl

Iridescent mother of pearl is commonly found in abalone, mussels in freshwater, and pearl oysters. Also called nacre, it is a lining that coats the inside of the mollusk shell. It keeps the interior safe from outside pollutants. This seaside origin means that mother of pearl has been naturally associated with the gentle soothing powers of water and the seas.

Mother of pearl has also been associated with the revered attributes of loyalty, integrity, and purity throughout history. It was often used to honor the royalty and nobility and was a favorite in their clothing and accessories. Good luck and prosperity were said to follow the wearer’s life.

Unique among the four pendants, the white mother of pearl pendant exclusively features rose gold rather than yellow gold. With the addition of copper, gold becomes pink in hue and was first used by Carl Faberge in his famous eggs created for Russian royalty. The warmth of the rose gold sets off the fair-skinned mother of pearl.

Gold Mother of Pearl

Mother of pearl grows on the inside of many shells including pearl oysters. It differs from pearl in the way the pearl content or nacre is deposited.

A pearl is a single lustrous, white globe grown from one piece of matter that the nacre grows over. It has a limit to its growth and the resultant pearl is usually drilled and threaded into a necklace.

Mother of pearl has the same reason for growing—it wants to envelope the contents of the shell and save the soft, sensitive mollusk tissue from damage. It grows over the inside of the shell, so mother of pearl is naturally thin, slightly rounded, and extensive.

Mother of pearl’s ability to safeguard is believed to provide motherly protection that fends off negativity and brings calm to one’s mind and body. By providing such a dazzling inner world for the pearl to peacefully take shape, this mystical gem is also said to help heighten one’s imagination and creativity. 

Lapis

Captivating the eye with its shimmering blue hue, the lapis has been one of the most celebrated and sought-after gems for thousands of years. Known as a stone of wisdom, intuition, truth, and protection across many cultures in history, the mystical lapis has been particularly adored by royalty and artists for use in ornaments, fashion, jewelry, cosmetics, and art.

In addition to being an all-time favorite decorative gem, lapis is also said to possess healing powers. Treasured as a stone of serenity and peace, the precious lapis has been used to ward off negativity, producing calming tempers, releasing stress, and unlocking one’s inner wisdom by harmonizing the mind and body. 

Malachite

Malachite’s striking appearance is characterized by striped or ring-like patterns in various shades of gleaming green. Its stunning nature has been believed to share a deep connection with the natural world. 

Historically, the lush green malachite has been a favored medical aid since ancient times. Malachite has often quickly healed high blood pressure, stomach issues, broken bones, torn muscles, and joint disorders. It has also been referred to as the “Midwife Stone” for helping to relieve labor pains and regulate body cycles for women.

The ancient Egyptians created fashion adornments, such as headdresses and jewelry, with malachite. Durable yet soft enough to craft, malachite was often ground down and used as green pigment for makeup, wall paint, glazing in art pieces, and even the coloring of glass. 

Highly favored by the Greeks and Romans, the use of malachite was also popular when carving vases and sculptures. As an ore of copper, malachite has been a prominent mineral for producing copper plates and devices, making it one of the most versatile gems in history. 

Caring for your pendant

To maintain the vibrance of your pendant, consider these tips. 

It’s best to keep makeup, perfume, and detergents away from your pendant. Clean with a soft cloth and rinse in lukewarm water. Then gently pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners.

When sleeping, bathing, or doing physical tasks, you can place your pendant back in the soft interior of the box you bought it in and close the box for safety.

View our entire Divine Grace Fine Jewelry Pendant Collection here.