Venus Nacrea Ring

A Tides of Tethys handcrafted, one-of-a-kind sterling silver ring set with a 17x13mm baroque pearl. Size 6. Venus Nacrea takes its name from nacre, the luminous inner shell from which pearls are formed. I first hand sculpted this one-of-a-kind ring in jeweller’s wax around a baroque pearl whose shifting surface holds the soft iridescence of living shell, shaping silver forms that rise around it like coral branches. The original wax carving was then cast in solid sterling silver, finished with an antique patina, and the pearl set into place by hand. The pearl appears half hidden, as though still embedded within the nacreous chamber that formed it. In lapidary lore, pearls are entirely unique. They are said to be born from the union of sea and heaven, formed through the reception of celestial virtue within the body of a living creature. The lapidaries tell that mussels open themselves toward the world above to receive the dew of heaven, and from this celestial dew the pearl is engendered and grows within the shell. Pearls are of the nature of Venus, and it is from Her that they receive their virtues. These virtues are received in the very generation of the gemstone. To wear a pearl is to carry that which is already inclined toward her, that which has received her virtue at the moment of its becoming. In the medieval lapidaries, pearl is also linked to the calming of emotions, the regulation of bodily fluids, and the strengthening of the heart. It is said to be especially beneficial for disturbances of the body and for those who carry fear without knowing its cause. It clarifies the blood, thins black bile when it grows too thick, and comforts the eyes.