perlado

Perlado is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese to denote a pearly or pearlescent quality. Grammatically, it can function as an adjective (un color perlado, una superficie perlada) or as a noun referring to a pearl-like object or to a pearl bead. The root is perla (pearl), with the diminutive/participial suffix -ado, indicating a resemblance to or characteristic of a pearl.

In nature and materials, perlado describes surfaces that show a nacreous iridescence similar to that of natural pearls. This effect arises from microstructures, layered crystals, or pearlescent pigments used in coatings.

Applications: In jewelry, perlado can describe pearls or beads with a nacreous luster. In design and manufacturing, perlado is used for paints, coatings, plastics, ceramics, and cosmetics to produce a pearlescent finish. In automotive finishes, enamel and varnishes may be described as 'perlado' to indicate the pearlescent effect. In cosmetics, eyeshadows or lip products may be labeled perlado to denote a shimmering, pearl-like sheen.

See also: Pearl, Mother-of-pearl, Pearlescence, Pearlescent paint.