Rare and beautiful
Mississippi River Pearls
The Mississippi river is home to a clam that produces a natural pearl, both unique and beautiful. Clammers found natural pearls while proving shells for the button industry. Each pearl has an individual shape, hue and luster not found in cultured pearls.
1884, a German by the name of J.F. Boepple founded the Mississippi River pearl button industry by applying his native trade to the abundant Mississippi River mussels. By 1890, Muscatine was known as the Pearl Button Capital of the World. 2,500 workers were employed in 43 different button-related businesses
Steve Swan, Jewelry Designer
Steve Swan enjoyed working in the jewelry industry for over 45 years before selling his jewelry store and retiring in beautiful Lake City, MN on the shores of Lake Pepin. Steve was a trained bench jeweler and did all his own jewelry repairs and custom jewelry designs.
Lake Pepin Pearls
Lake Pepin (a natural widening of the Mississippi river) harbor clams that produce a natural pearl both unique and beautiful. Each pearl purchased from local clammers has an individual hue, shape and luster not found in cultured pearls. Mounted in rings, pendants, and earrings of your choice, Lake Pepin Pearls will become treasured keepsakes.
Lake Pepin Pearl Donated to Pearl Button Museum
Steve & Sandy Swan donated a large and rare Natural Lake Pepin Pearl to the Muscatine Pearl Button Museum, to represent Lake Pepin and Lake City, MN for the history of the clamming industry.
Steamboats of the Mississippi past
Billie the Button
Natural Mississippi pearl jewelry available exclusively at:
