pearl essence

noun

1. a lustrous, silvery-white substance obtained from the scales of certain fishes or derived synthetically, as from mercuric chloride: used chiefly in the manufacture of simulated pearls and as a pigment in lacquer pearl lacquer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pearl essence¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

It features a custom art ledge that emulates a headboard, set against the backdrop of a large pearl essence tile that has a three-dimensional look.

From Seattle Times

"They were also making cosmetic glitter from the colourful slime off the back of the scales, it's called pearl essence. There were three pearl essence factories here," says Chris Bartlett, a commercial fishing specialist with the University of Maine who moved to the area in the late 1980s.

From BBC

“The lipstick I used has pigment in it but also a pearl essence. And it kind of blends in with the foundation, which makes it all very natural. It becomes one with the skin.”

From Los Angeles Times

Historically, flakes of fish scales obtained primarily from herring have been added to nail polishes to give them a shimmer known as "pearl essence."

From Los Angeles Times