Freshwater pearl mussel Freshwater pearl mussel The freshwater pearl mussel ("Margaritifera margaritifera") is an endangered species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusc in the family Margaritiferidae. Although the name "freshwater pearl mussel" is often used for this species, other freshwater mussel species can also create pearls and some can also be used as a source of mother of pearl. In fact, most cultured pearls today come from "Hyriopsis" species in Asia, or "Amblema" species in North America, both members of the related family Unionidae; pearls are also found within species in the genus "Unio". The interior of the shell of "Margaritifera margaritifera"
Pearl Eytinge Pearl Eytinge Pearl Eytinge (1854–1914) was a New York-born actress, author, producer, playwright and activist who once said "“There is no vice on earth of which I have not partaken”". Her addiction to drink and drugs ended her stage career and it was said of her that: "“Pearl Eytinge the women slew Pearl Eytinge the artist”". In later years she lectured on the dangers of drug taking. When Pearl’s mother, Margaret Winship, met and later married Sol Eytinge, she had two children from previous relationships. Her son, James S Wyckoff, kept the name of his biological father whilst Pearl adopted