There are endless pearls of wisdom to discover about this beautiful gem.
Did you know that pearls are one of the few organic gemstones (they come from living organisms)? Pearls grow singly or in multiples inside of a mollusk. Examples of other organic gems include bone, tusk, horn, antler, and coral. Pearls are composed of protein-bound minerals (calcium carbonate as aragonite, and\or calcite) but are not considered minerals because of their organic origin.
Most pearls are cultured, but don’t confuse that with man-made. Think of them like you would a garden vegetable. Seeds are sowed and fields are tended, but the veggies are produced by the plant – the same as the pearls are produced by the oyster or clam. When it comes to cultured, it refers to something that grows - like yeast or microorganisms. Pearls can be cultured in salt water (such as Akoyas, South Sea, Tahitian) or freshwater (historically Lake Biwa in Japan but now mostly from China). Naturally occurring pearls are very rare, especially large spherical ones.
Pearls are valued by a combination of qualities, such as size, color, shape, luster, symmetry, and lack of any flaws on the surface (#Flawless). When it comes to high quality, the usual rule for pearl jewelry is ‘the more the better’. The bigger, whiter, rounder, and smoother pearls are the higher their quality is and the more they cost. Because no two pearls are ever exactly alike, sorting pearls is an extremely difficult and time-consuming process, which can also add to the jewelry’s cost.
Aside from genuine pearls, natural or cultured - look-alikes can be popular too. Simulants can be man-made from plastic, glass, and oyster shells, and some can be just about as convincing as you can get. With their near flawless sheen, satisfying heft, and great durability, shell pearls can be a great alternative to farming.
Pearls of all kinds will last longer when properly stored, well-cared-for, and appropriately worn. And pearls of any kind (even the simulants) go with diamonds and warrant fine metal findings, proper stringing, and often insurance!
Pearls have been used for embellishment for over 6,000 years. They are the traditional gift for the 3rd and 30th wedding anniversaries and June birthdays. There was a short window of time when pearls may have been considered old-fashioned, but they are very popular as of late. So much so that they’ve become mainstream, even for guys. For dress-up or every day, and always for brides - pearls are both wardrobe staples and trendy must-haves. Check out the many new additions to our collection today!