1. IPhone (or actually any Apple product)

If you don’t want to actually buy the iphone for someone, or would prefer to surprise them (and we don’t mean by the expensive bill every month), you should consider any of the other apple products available: like the Apple iPod touch 32 GB (4th Generation) NEWEST MODEL, list price: $299.00.

Or if you’re really ready to splurge on a loved one, the MacBook Pro is a sure bet. The 13 inch starts at about $1199, which is cheaper than what the regular MacBooks used to be four years ago:

MacBook Pro, starting at $1199, from Apple.com

2. Amazon Kindle Wireless Device

You can’t deny the impact of technology on the literary world: the Kindle is the newest literary sensation, despite all the library/hardcover book lovers out there. Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, Graphite, 6″ Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology is the latest available, and you can order it from Amazon for only $139. If you order it today, as in the 23rd, you can get it as quick as the 27th. So wrap a box with a print out picture of the Kindle and say “Here honey, Merry Christmas. It’ll be here in a few days, be patient.”

Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology

3. Nintendo Wii

Nintendo - Nintendo Wii Console (Red) with Wii Sports and New Super Mario Bros. Wii, $199

The Wii console has undergone a change — and it’s going to paint the town red. From the beginning, Wii has challenged you to new levels of interactivity by delivering intuitive motion controls and expanding your gaming options. Now, it’s back and bolder than ever in a vibrant red color that’s turning heads around the world.

Don’t just play — make a statement with this red Nintendo Wii Console bundle. Bringing brave modern style into your living room, this console includes matching Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk controllers to put the power of Wii’s famous precision right into your hands, with a hot new twist. Get into the action right out of the box with an included two-game pack that takes you from the sports stadium to a fantasy castle and beyond, with the winning combo of Wii Sports and New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Whether you’re swinging a baseball bat to smash a grand slam or battling your way through a classic side-scrolling adventure, one thing’s for sure, you’ll be seeing red — in the best of ways — with this bold new Wii console.

4. Gift Basket

This is a great idea because you normally don’t have to leave the house or even type in your credit card number for this one, and it can be ultra-personalized. Think: wine, nuts, packaged spices, lotions (even little ones), candles, fruit, homemade bread/cakes/pies, picture frame or miniature picture album, a pair of cufflinks, cheese/crackers, a homemade ornament…the possibilities are endless. So get creative, find an old stray basket around the house, lay down some tissue paper, and finish it off with cellophane wrapping and a glamorous ribbon.

Or if you’re too lazy to do all that yourself, you can always buy one:

Harry & David Favorite Gift Basket, $50

5. Cufflinks

Literally every man would be happy with a nice pair of cufflinks– it’s jewelry for men! Every time you turn on the television around the holidays you see a commercial for some kind of jewelery company and normally the product featured is for women. But what about buying your man some bling too?

The latest and greatest? These brand new Butterfly Cufflinks from Peru:

Aymara Blue Dream Butterfly Cufflinks

Because the widths of the black cross bars and blue colors vary, each cufflink is one of a kind and will add a hint of enchanting color to your suit jacket. Peruvian Sterling Silver is 95% pure silver and one of the best alloys of silver in world, which increases the cufflinks’ strength, as well as their resistance to tarnishing.

Aymara Green Tea Leaf Butterfly Cufflinks

Known as the “Giant Glasswings,” our Aymara Green Tea Leaf Butterfly Cufflinks come from The Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Orphanage in Peru, where butterflies live and die naturally in a unique Amazon habitat. Their life span is normally two to three weeks, during which time their exotic green wings flutter throughout the sanctuary, and then pass on naturally. The cufflinks are made from real Thyridia Psidii butterfly wings, which are then enameled over, and set in leaf-shaped Peruvian Sterling Silver. These butterflies are recognized by their translucent, glassy wings, luscious green and yellow colors, and a dark cross bar on the hindwings. The delicate green colors of the wings from these hyaline creatures will add an charming glass-look to your cuffs.

Aymara Zebra Pillow Butterfly Cufflinks

Your purchase will support the only butterfly sanctuary in Peru, The Pilpintuwasi Orphanage, whose aims are the continuation and growth of each species. 10% of all the proceeds from these Butterfly Cufflinks go to the Amazon Animal Orphanage, because we are passionate about their cause for animal protection and preservation. You can also visit their website at: www.amazonanimalorphanage.org for more information.

4. Collection of Old Memories in a scrapbook

This can consist of old pictures, ticket stubs, random notes or stories about memories and/or adventures you’d had with each other. Really the list is endless and what’s great about this kind of gift is it’s personal and you can make it your own. It shouldn’t have to take you weeks to come up with something creative, just jot down some memories you have with someone special and think of objects that are connected with those memories. Make it funny, sincere, sentimental, and humorous. Anything goes with a “scrapbook”!

Check out www.scrapbook.com for free tips and ideas on scrapbooking!

Layout from Scrapbook.com

Happy Holidays!

Stay tuned for a “Style Icon” update that will definitely surprise you…

Everyone is wondering how to stay warm this winter. Now combine that need for warmth with the ability to look good and you have exactly what we’re about to show you: a few extra must-have essentials to have in your wardrobe this season. Our last post featured some basic essentials: the three-piece suit, the plaid neck tie, tweed suits, and thin turtlenecks. But this article will be all about how to stay extra comfortable and warm during the winter months, while still charming the ladies with your style.

First up, we have Lug Sole Boots, also known as a regular, chunky rubber sole boot. What’s great about these boots is you can literally wear them anywhere and with any casual attire you may find in your closet already. They are not reserved strictly for rough terrain and the back woods of Maine anymore.

Maine Lodge Boot, by L.L. Bean ($99)

L.L. Bean boots look great with jeans, corduroys, sweaters, and even suit jackets (especially…you guessed it, Tweed jackets) These boots from L.L. Bean are our favorites, because they have that casual, rugged appeal. The price is definitely right too, as most of their boots start at $99. The best part is they are made in the USA (in Maine), and each boot is handcrafted, which means they are durable and will last a lifetime.

Robert Graham Brown Timeless Cufflinks, $127

And for a slightly dressier boot to go with your tailored, slim fitted suits, try these Field Boots:

Field Boot, by Mark McNairy, New Amsterdam ($395)

Sleek field boots would look great with an antique inspired cuff piece like this one, designed by Robert Graham:

Robert Graham Garnet Wrapped Glass Cufflinks

Another casual look for your to feast your eyes on is the Blue Plaid Shirt. As you may remember, we featured plaid ties in our previous post, and this goes right along with the same trend. (Just don’t wear them together, because that would just be…not good).

American Living Blue Plaid Shirt, JC Penney Stores

We love plaid because it normally comes in super soft material, would look great with all the attire above, and you can normally add a pair of cufflinks to your shirt too. Or better yet, blue plaid can be dressed up in a quick second, with a simple blue blazer. You can go from man-working-around-the-house to trend-setting-man-of-the-world, by adding a blazer and a pair of cufflinks:

Sky Blue Locked Squares Cufflinks

And last but not least, Corduroy Pants:

Five Pocket Corduroy pants, by C.P Company

Corduroy isn’t just for little boys anymore. They are ultra comfortable, appropriate for the work environment, and can be dressed up with a fitted sweater and an over jacket. Plus they will keep you cozy during the winter months. These Corduroy pants by C.P. Company are a bit pricey, at $215, but you can find a comparable pair from Levi’s at around $60. Here are some inexpensive, Silk Knot Cufflinks that work well with corduroy:

Chocolate Malt Brown and Silver Silk Knot Cufflinks, $7

More style adventures to come….Stay tuned folks

GQ magazine recently featured some invaluable resources for men in regards to fashion. Calling it their “Fall Report,” they have carefully selected the hottest trends, accessories, and looks for the modern man of 2010. We have a picked out a few that we especially love. First up, the Three Piece Suit:

Three Piece Suit, Design by Simon Spurr

What’s great about the three piece suit is the added touch of class, found in a single element: the vest. Yes, these suits may cost a bit more than the standard two piece suit, but like GQ mentions in their feature, “it keeps you looking sharp when you remove your jacket.” And these Black Dial Cufflinks are some basic, inexpensive accessories that could bring the look full circle:

Black Dial Cufflinks

The next look we love is the Small, Lightweight Turtleneck. Turtlenecks are great for the fall/winter season for obvious reasons (they keep you warm…if we have to spell it out for you), but they go great under suit and sport jackets. Plus they are a warm substitute for that stifling collared shirt. Make sure the turtleneck you choose isn’t too chunky, but fine-gauge and fits high around the neck, like this one:

Lightweight Turtleneck, as featured in GQ, design by Gucci

The man bag and sunglasses don’t hurt the look either: we especially love the extra finishing touches that really bring together an ensemble, like a stunning pair of Silk Knot Cufflinks:

Camo Time Silk Knot Cufflinks

The next little accessory that is not to be shunned, is the Plaid Necktie. No, we’re not talking about Paul Bunyan plaid here, and we don’t expect you to go on a wood chopping rampage in your overalls…but really plaid is back this season and may be here for the long run. These new plaid ties have a slimmer cut,  a smaller tie knot, and are unlined to give a “draping effect.”

H&M Necktie

Black Watch Plaid Cufflinks

David Hart & Co. Neck Tie, $130

And lastly, for this week’s style update, we want to mention once again, our love of TWEED. (And please don’t substitute out the “T” and think we’re talking about something else…but you can if you want…) For those of you who follow this blog, you might remember a post focused on texture, one of which was tweed. Well GQ has also exhibited their love of tweed and it’s storming runways around the world:

Tweed Suit, by Billy Reid

Amber Quilted Cufflinks

And to quote Jim Moore on this subject, he says that “[tweed] looks good over and under everything. It’s got that mannish personality to it, where it stands up well to an elegant shirt and tie, or looks good with a fisherman’s sweater.” And Mr. Moore, we completely agree.

]]> http://www.cufflinksman-blog.com/cufflinks-by-color/trend-report-four-basic-essentials/feed/ 0 http://www.cufflinksman-blog.com/cufflinks-by-color/scarf-it-up-wrap-it-up/ http://www.cufflinksman-blog.com/cufflinks-by-color/scarf-it-up-wrap-it-up/#comments Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:43:07 +0000 Amber S. http://www.cufflinksman-blog.com/?p=859 There is that familiar chill in the air, which means scarf season is here! One of our favorite accessories, other than cufflinks, is scarves and they can come in many shapes, sizes and textures (well duh). So instead of concentrating on matching your outfit just right, try to match your accessories in cool, new ways. [...]

There is that familiar chill in the air, which means scarf season is here! One of our favorite accessories, other than cufflinks, is scarves and they can come in many shapes, sizes and textures (well duh). So instead of concentrating on matching your outfit just right, try to match your accessories in cool, new ways.

Here are some great photos from GQ that exhibit different ways to wear these warming winter accessories and also how they can work with cufflinks:

Tuck a textured scarf into a suit jacket and wrap around the neck once:

Scarf tucked into Suit Jacket, from GQ Magazine, Photo by Tommy Ton

Coupled with the slim fitted jacket and this textured scarf, try one of these Striped Mosiac Cufflinks, designed by Ox & Bull Trading Co. :

Striped Mosaic Cufflinks

For a  looser, more laid back look, use a colorful linen scarf with your suit jacket:

Linen Scarf, GQ Magazine, Photo by Tommy Ton

And with the linen type scarf, these Sailor inspired cufflinks would bring the look full circle:

Enamel Boat Wheel Cufflinks

And for a hipper, trendier look, try mixing different colors in your ensemble, combined with a simple black or gray scarf, like this one:

Colorful Mix with Simple Black Scarf, GQ Mag, Photo by Tommy Ton

A loud outfit like this one, featured in GQ magazine, would look great paired with funky cufflinks, such as these Joker Cufflinks:

Joker Cufflinks

So remember to keep warm out there this fall and winter season. We (and the scarves) have got you covered. Winter accessories don’t simply stop at hats and gloves…so mix in a little jewelry to accessorize your winter wonderland looks.

When one goes to Europe, one takes an instant notice of the architectural grandeur, the intricate designs and details, and the awe-inspiring buildings that are hundreds of years old. In America, our architecture is lacking those ancient intricities and the eye for detail. Our buildings seem to be made for one purpose only: functionality.

One can look the same way at cufflinks. Yes, they are used to enclose the gaps on shirt sleeves and be used in place of a button, but they also represent something aesthetically supreme (like European Architecture). They are not simply worn for functionality, but are used to represent individualism, eccentricities, and character. It always comes down to the details. These Enamel Tracery Cufflinks are reminiscent of the same architectural details we love:

Enamel Tracery Cufflinks, by LOMA

Designed by LOMA, they evoke the detail oriented style that completely brings together an outfit.

Calvin Klein Fall 2010

Walking down the street, people notice the tiny accessories that make up an outfit. Cufflinks are that eye-catching and architectural “wow factor” to an outfit. Designer Italo Zucchelli’s new designs for Calvin Klein exhibited exactly that: crisp, sharp, and detail oriented clothes. Calvin Klein’s new fall 2010 line is representative of the masculine man looking sharply forward in a lusterless world; And similarly, these Orange Enamel Tracery Cufflinks are breaking the lackluster mold:

Orange Enamel Tracery Cufflinks

And to add even more color and texture to your palate, these Black and Red Quilted Cufflinks are yet another great choice for that fashion forward attitude and architectural vibe:

Red and Black Quilted Cufflinks

…and unfortunately we didn’t make the cut. But hey, there’s always next year right?

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to this year’s winners! You make the world a better place (or at least a little more hopeful) and for that, thank you.

We hope we do the same for men’s fashion. So in this hopeful spirit, we’re moving on to innovative ideas for accessorizing the latest and greatest trends with (drum roll, please), the ultimate arm candy, cufflinks.

This season’s theme: Jazz it up with color

Turquoise and Onyx Cufflinks

Everyone woman loves a man who has a sense of style—if only for the fact that she won’t have to dress him every time they venture out in public. Even better is the man who not only has a fashion sense, but a quirky, confidant one at that. These Turquoise and Onyx Cufflinks are a perfect transition between the young gentleman caller and professional business man. The battle for looking and feeling younger is not a dilemma reserved only for women: the 21st century man has to compete as well.

So the young looks for this season? Think Ivy league meets Brooklyn hipster (without the annoying, pretentious attitude).

And of course, to bring out that inner boy, try one of our Superhero cufflinks, like this one:

Superman Cufflinks

Wardrobe Looks We Love:

Hermes Runway Show, Fall 2010,

as featured in GQ magazine

Hermes Runway Show, Fall 2010

These Stone Argyle Cufflinks would look great paired with an eclectic look like the one above. The different shades of stone, coupled with the argyle,  maintain that Harvard look.

Stone Argyle Cufflinks

You don’t have to be a stuffy older man in a suit to enjoy the Stone Argyle cufflinks, especially when they are paired with a relaxed, funky suit jacket. You can balance out that “I don’t care if my pants are too big, or too tight for that matter” attitude by adding one of the gold plated Stone Argyle cufflinks, which sends off a message of sophistication and modernity to the urban look.

Designer Paul Smith Runway Show, Spring 2011, as featured in GQ magazine

Paul Smith Spring 2011

Clothing Designer Paul Smith created a collection for Spring 2011 that represents the boyish looking man who takes pride in the art of the wardrobe, and doesn’t hold back. This urban black and white look would go great paired with a modern cufflink, like this Onyx and MOP Checker Step Cufflink, designed by Ox and Bull.  Made with onyx and mother of pearl, this expensive looking wrist piece will balance out the relaxed fit of this style.

Onyx and MOP Checker Step Cufflink

AND AFTER ALL THIS STYLE TALK- Congrats again to the Nobel Prize Winners!! We hope someone will vote for us next year…

A classic suit should simultaneously borrow the sophistication of the late Victorian period, the glamour of the Parisian 30’s, and the meticulous style of the 60’s.

But there’s always room for a new twist on a classic look.

The Hermes collection for fall 2010  hinted at an urban countryside look, with relaxed fit suits. Here’s a more urban version below, but click on the Hermes link to view the entire collection.

For 2010 it’s all about the texture. Who says you have to weigh yourself down under heavy clothes? For fall 2010, lightweight, textured suits made of breath-able cotton, flannel, and linen are sprouting up everywhere. We especially like the countryside look with an urban flair that is apparent in the tailored silhouettes, which make use of light browns, beige, and soft black.

Granite Cabochon Cufflinks

To make the MOST of this “country boy meets big city” style, pair these textured suits with a natural accessory, like these Granite Cabochon Cufflinks designed by Ike Behar. These designer cufflinks evoke the soft hues of vanilla and caramel, while still maintaining the hot runway themes of nature, stone, and texture. The Granite Cabochon Cufflinks add a touch of elegance and flair to this laid back look.

Blue Floral Cufflinks

Going along the lines of texture, these Blue Floral Banner Cufflinks designed by Robert Graham are a perfect addition to that textured suit. Featuring an authentic shirt fabric that will spice up any tweed, light brown,  khaki, or gray material. We love absolutely them.

And what are these “new” fabrics? Well let’s just say they are a modern re-vamping of classic fabrics: Harris Tweed, Pinstripe, Plaid, and Herringbone.

Need ideas for a laid back suit? GQ featured a classic cotton Khaki suit by Michael Bastian that would look great with the Blue Floral Banner Cufflinks. Click on the Michael Bastian link to view the entire collection and our favorite look, the Khaki suit.

Persian Rug Cufflinks

All of these textured looks of the season will look great paired with the Blue Floral Banner cufflinks, the Granite Cabochon cufflinks, the Persian Rug cufflinks, or these Banded African Jade cufflinks.

Rhodium is a precious material which gathers the properties of intense and durable metals with a neutral but yet stylish color gray. Because of the fact that rhodium takes on the properties of so many objects it was consider one of the most precious metals by the Egyptians with thought rhodium was even more precious than gold itself.

Those who use silver, gray and rhodium are regarded as very intelligent, stylish and knowledgeable people and because rhodium cannot be corroded those who use rhodium are said to have a very strong character which cannot be corroded. Because rhodium is a shiny and slick metal which takes on the properties of the color gray it can be thought of as the perfect neutral which produces a feeling of expectation and calm at the same time.

Rhodium is also used a lot by those who pursue the latest fashion trends and it is heavily used in fashion as well as in urban styles

Interesting facts about rhodium, silver and the color gray:

• Rhodium just like silver process similar qualities too gold except that silver and rhodium are able to reach an unparalleled brilliant polish, this is one of the reasons why the Egyptians had high regards for this metal.
• Throughout the ages the color gray was not to have magical powers which promoted healing and worded off against evil spirits, some people still believe the color gray and metals such a silver have special powers.
• Rhodium is unlike any other metal, it does not produce an oxide, even when this material is heated it will not retain oxygen which is the cause many other metals decay. This is the specific property that is a linked to the strength of character of people who use rhodium in order to decorate their persona.

• Because of its strength and reflective beauty most jewels are rhodium flashed but, not only does rhodium enhance the natural beauty of certain metals but it can also protect them from decaying and getting ugly scratches.

   

Great Examples of rhodium cufflinks are:

	Laser Carved Silver Cuff Links: these are extremely stylish cuff links which best describe New York fashion and are certain to be the favorite of those who want to project an intelligent and style filled persona.
	Gear Shifter Silver Cuff Links: if you want to project your sense of style and daring fashion there’s no better way to do so than by using the gear shifter cuff links, they are perfectly polished and project youth and strength.
	Silver Love Knot Cuff Links: if you want to project how unique you are without attracting too much attention to yourself then these are the perfect cuff links for you, with their intertwined silver threads and exquisite polish finish their sure to leave an excellent impression.
	Four Ace Playing Cards Cuff Links: those who want to project their luck and sense of uniqueness will find that the four ace cuff links are perfect for them, especially in a night out with friends.

Onyx is a precious material which shares the characteristic of dark colors such as black and yet it is stylish enough to be compared with the shining beauty of silver. Because of the fact that onyx shares characteristics from the color black onyx is regarded as a very elegant color, those who use onyx are said to have a very strong character and be very authoritative.

Those wear the color onyx and items that have the shine this material has project a very elegant image and because onyx is quite dark it can also make the person look very elegant and sophisticated. Those who wear the color onyx are also set to project a mysterious aura which makes other people wonder about our personality and this reaction is said to trigger new relationships.

Onyx as well as the color black are heavily used in New York fashion as well as in urban styles, dark colors such as black are highly regarded in many fashions spheres.

Interesting facts about onyx and the color black:

• Onyx was known to Greek and Romans but the word itself is derived from the Assyrian word which means ring.
• Onyx is such a rare and precious material that when the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale university planned to coat such book with green onyx they have to change the material to marble simply because there wasn’t enough green onyx in the world.
• In folk religion onyx is used for the target of psychic attacks, especially those that are sexual in nature.
• In Chinese culture that dark color of onyx and black are associated with north, water and winter.
• In martial arts that color black is thought to be the result of the combination of all colors, this also represents the perfect union of mind and body and eight true sense of achievement and wisdom.

Great examples of Onyx Cuff Links:

	Circular Striped Onyx and MOP Cuff Links: in these cufflinks you can see the perfect example of New York glam, these cuff links are perfectly polished and feature a beautiful onyx stone that makes the perfect balance with all the polish silver that surrounds it.
	Onyx Stone and MOP Square Cuff Links: if you are looking for elegance and precision than these beautifully crafted cufflinks are definitely for you, they feature a square pattern that is inspired from New York fashion and promotes focus as well as concentration.
	Onyx and Mother of Pearl Mosaic Cuff Links: if we are to define these cufflinks then exquisite is the word that comes closer to represent the true beauty shown in the intriguing pattern of these cuff links, their shape is circular and yet the inner design is square, this is a contrast that creates perfect balance.
	Chekered Board Agate Cuff Links: if you love the game of chess and checkers then you are probably a very intelligent person, you can project your gifts through these beautifully crafted cufflinks that highly resemble the boards used in these games.

A rare material which is often used in high end jewelry and one of kind decorative artifacts is referred to as mother of pearl. Yet another name mother of pearl is known as is nacre which describes the same strong and resilient material. Nacre is an organic composite material that is produced by some mollusks and is formed of hexagonal platelets of calcium carbonate crystals and bonded by elastic biopolymers which increases the toughness of the material at multiple lengths and sizes enormously.

Nacre has been used in fashion accessories for hundreds of years because of the many properties that make it attractive to the human eye. Quite recently urban and New York fashion have adopted the use of mother of pearl in cuff links in order to give them a glossy and stylishly finish; those who wear accessories made of mother of pearl are considered to be individuals are very in touch with a true sense of fashion and have a strong character.

Interesting facts about the Mother of Pearl stone:

• Because of the amazing brickwork found in mother of pearl, the longer the cuts are the stronger the material becomes. This is a very interesting property found in nacre which can only be reassembled by materials such as silicon.
• Mother of pearl has some of the properties of silver but because of its iridescence it can take and properties from many different colors. The thickness of the platelets of calcium carbonate crystals results in constructive and destructive interference of light rays at different visible angles.
• Some mollusks secrete nacre which is deposited on their inner shell in order to defend against parasites and other damaging agents by covering them in layers of nacre, this slow process which takes place over mother of pearl ends up creating a pearl. Objects which are coated or created with nacre loan are in fact made with the material pearls are made of.
• Many people believe that mother of pearl forms when a grain of sand enters the mollusk’s shell but the fact of the matter is that mother of pearl doesn’t form unless a parasite or food particle gets trapped in the shell or if the mollusk is injured in any way.
• Mother of pearl is an extremely precious material because it cannot be harvested at accelerated speeds, mollusk’s that grow mother of pearl at hot temperatures tend to form this layer a lot faster than those that live in places with colder temperatures but the result is a duller and less lustrous mother of pearl.

Great Examples of Mother of Pearl Cufflinks are:

Stunning pink mother of pearl cuff links: this Italian creation shows the true beauty of mother of pearl, they have a very smooth finish and different pink tones that are complemented by the reflective and properties of mother of pearl.

Union Jack Flag cuff links: these are the perfect accessories for those who want to show their true patriotic colors during important social events. The lines of the flag are made with precious mother of pearl material which gives them a glossy and multicolor finish.

Circular and stripped onyx and MOP cuff links: if you are thinking of New York fashion then you need to look no further as these stylish cuff links combine the properties of smooth rhodium and iridescent mother of pearl which will give you that look you are looking for.

Oval Onyx and mother of pearl cuff links: flat and highly polished onyx is the centerpiece of these beautiful cuff links that are only enhanced by the rainbow-like properties of the carefully placed strips of mother of pearl.