Our craftsmanship
Material & Craftsmanship
Understanding mother-of-pearl, its origins and our commitments — everything that makes each Argis Nacre piece singular.
A question about our materials?
Our team will help you choose the pieces best suited to your needs.
Marine Hattais — Sales Manager
+33 (0)2 97 83 10 00
Why did we choose mother-of-pearl?
Mother-of-pearl has always been synonymous with beauty and refinement. Its neutrality allows the most fragile delicacies — caviar, fish roe — to be tasted without being altered. Metal cutlery, even silver, is unsuitable for these dishes because it can chemically change their flavour.
Where does the mother-of-pearl we use come from?
Mother-of-pearl is formed by successive deposits of calcium carbonate inside a shell. The finest comes from pearl oysters, though it is found in both fresh and sea water. We work with two types:
Japanese mother-of-pearl
Iridescent, silvery reflections that elevate every creation. Sourced from Pinctada Maxima, a shell harvested from the depths of the Pacific Ocean.
White mother-of-pearl
Lighter reflections, from pink to gold, and greater strength. Extracted from Hyriopsis Cumingii and Potamilus Altus, in the China and Coral seas.
Is it legal to use mother-of-pearl?
Yes. All our shells come from legal fisheries and we comply with CITES — the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
What other raw materials do we use?
In our pursuit of excellence, we use only noble materials, such as rosewood, in full compliance with CITES. Mother-of-pearl, both strong and elegant, enhances every culinary creation and graces the table.