Mother-of-pearl (noun)

A smooth iridescent substance forming the inner layer of the shell of some mollusks, especially oysters and abalones, used as a decorative material in jewelry, buttons, and other decorative items.

Origin:

Late middle english: from mother (in the sense "source") + of + pearl.

Examples:

1. She had a beautiful necklace made of mother-of-pearl.
2. The buttons on his shirt were made of mother-of-pearl.
3. He had a collection of mother-of-pearl figurines.
4. Mother-of-pearl is used to make a variety of decorative items such as picture frames, jewelry boxes, and ornaments.
5. Mother-of-pearl is prized for its iridescent quality that gives it a pearl-like appearance.