pearls
Lustrous ocean spheres
Pearls are lustrous gemstones formed inside oysters and other mollusks when the creature coats an irritant with layers of nacre.
Natural pearls are rare and valuable; most sold today are cultivated.
The word extends to anything resembling these gems in shape or luster, like dewdrops or teeth.
To cast pearls before swine is to offer something valuable to those who won't appreciate it.
Pearls of wisdom are choice insights, though the phrase is often used sarcastically.
Iridescent shell coating
- molluskSoft-bodied invertebrate, often shelled
- oysterPearl-bearing edible mollusk
- clamSand-dwelling hinged shellfish
- abaloneNacreous marine gastropod
mussel · shell · irritant · nucleus · secretion · layers · harvesting · farming
Neck-worn ornament
- earringsJewelry worn on lobes
- braceletOrnamental wrist band
- chokerClose-fitting neck jewelry
- pendantSuspended jewelry ornament
strand · string · clasp · cultured · freshwater · baroque · seed · beading
Showing shifting spectral colors
- opalescentShowing milky iridescence
- nacreousResembling pearl's iridescence
- shimmeringGleaming with wavering light
- lustrousSoftly bright, reflective
sheen · orient · glow · luminous · radiant · creamy · pink · white
Ornamental small-sphere work
- embroideryDecorative stitching on fabric
- sequinsSmall reflective fabric ornaments
- beadsSmall pierced ornaments for stringing
- trimRemove unwanted edges
applique · bridal · gown · tiara · headpiece · veil · buttons · ornament
Highly esteemed, greatly valued
- rareSeldom found or seen
- prizedGreatly valued or esteemed
- treasuredRegarded with deep affection
- heirloomInherited family treasure
luxury · expensive · valuable · coveted · exquisite · fine · quality · investment
nacre
Iridescent shell coating
- molluskSoft-bodied invertebrate, often shelled
- oysterPearl-bearing edible mollusk
- clamSand-dwelling hinged shellfish
abalone · mussel · shell · irritant · nucleus · secretion · layers · harvesting · farming · cultivation
necklace
Neck-worn ornament
pendant · strand · string · clasp · cultured · freshwater · baroque · seed · beading · restringing
iridescent
Showing shifting spectral colors
- opalescentShowing milky iridescence
- nacreousResembling pearl's iridescence
- shimmeringGleaming with wavering light
lustrous · sheen · orient · glow · luminous · radiant · creamy · pink · white · golden
beading
Ornamental small-sphere work
- embroideryDecorative stitching on fabric
- sequinsSmall reflective fabric ornaments
- beadsSmall pierced ornaments for stringing
trim · applique · bridal · gown · tiara · headpiece · veil · buttons · ornament · decorative
precious
Highly esteemed, greatly valued
heirloom · luxury · expensive · valuable · coveted · exquisite · fine · quality · investment · auction
proverbs
Traditional wisdom capsules
- sayingsTraditional pithy expressions
- adviceGuidance on decisions
- insightsPenetrating understandings gained
truths · knowledge · casting · swine · biblical · metaphor · words · eloquence · wit · gems
trove
Accumulated valuable collection
chest · pirate · bounty · discovery · fortune · riches · crown · jewels · regalia · adornment
- white thingssnow, chalk, milk, flour, paper
- jewelryearrings, bracelet, necklaces, necklace, rings
- anniversary giftschina set, diamond ring, anniversary card, engraved gift, personalized gift
- ArabiaSaudi Arabia, Mecca, Medina, Kaaba, Riyadh
- bridal attirewedding dress, bridal gown, wedding gown, bridal veil, wedding veil
- bridal shopwedding dress, wedding gowns, bridal gown, bridesmaid dress, flower girl dress
- pearl diverHarvests lustrous orbs underwater
- mother of pearlIridescent shell lining
- pearly whitesSlang for teeth
- Pearl HarborHawaiian military port attacked 1941
- freshwater pearlsGems from river mussels
- pearl necklaceJewelry of iridescent spheres
pearl, pearly, pearled, pearling, mother-of-pearl, pearliest, pearl diver, pearl oyster, pearl grey