Pearlised – the reflective, subtle toned beauty that is both the inside of the oyster shell – mother of pearl, and the coating on pearls. In the home world it describes the soft silvery pearl-like shimmer that is often incorporated into the finish of textile or paint to cause reflection and add movement in order to resemble the real thing as closely as we can.
Real pearls and shells used for buttons, beads, trimmings and embroidery bring easy points of brightness into the situation – they are beautiful, inexpensive and very often overlooked in favour of less subtle sequins and crystals
A touch of pearl in any form is a guaranteed lift, as effective on a pretty cushion or lampshade as on the décolletage of an evening gown. See also nacre.