On Shells and Gemstones

[chargirlgenius]

I don’t know if it’s a recent trend, or just something I’ve only just noticed. But as of late, there have been a lot of people referring to members of the Order of the Pearl* as bivalves. At first, I thought it was just a clever little joke, but being as pedantic as I am, it eventually started to kind of bug me.

Don’t get me wrong. People I love and adore very much use this nickname, and I don’t think any less of them for doing so, rather I just want to express my opinion on the matter. Because that’s what I do. :-D

Moving on. We are not bivalves. Bivalves, or oysters, clams, scallops, mussels, etc., themselves, are common, not rare, nor particularly valued. If anything, they’re eaten, and then the shells are discarded. But there’s nothing very special about your average mussel. (I know some connoisseurs might beg to differ…)

But the pearls inside! The pearls are the unique and extraordinary part! Not ever oyster grows a pearl. Some are natural pearls, some are cultured, but all are considered gemstones.

The Pearls of Atlantia are gemstones. We’re not just mussels to be bought by the bucket and discarded. Although, if you attend court at Twelfth Night is might *seem* like there are bucketfuls of Pearls up front when our numbers are increased. ;-) Each one is a gem, beautiful and valued, much more than a simple bivalve.


*Kingdom-level arts and sciences order in Atlantia

Comments

[thornbury.livejournal.com]

In my mind, only one duke will be thought of when hearing the word 'girth'.

[3fgburner.livejournal.com]

Favorite moment at Pennsic, lo these many years ago. The shieldwalls had broken, and I found myself facing, with spear leveled at him, Aonghais the Accursed. Couldn't figure out why he didn't just charge and waste me. Then, I realized he was looking BEHIND me. At Gyrth. Then, Cariadoc popped out from behind HIM, and said, "Greetings, your Grace! As you can see, we've hidden another whole army behind Duke Gyrth, here!".

Aonghais left the area.

[marymont.livejournal.com]

Good sir, please don't use that terminology for Duke Aonghais. He still has family in the SCA and on Live Journal. Your personal animosity aside, he was well-loved by some.

Thank you.