Pearl Education
People love pearls because of their natural beauty and the symbolism of purity and innocence they represent. Pearls are also said to bring good luck, protect from harm and promote wisdom, wealth and health.
What Is A Pearl?
Pearls have been associated with royalty and luxury for centuries, and are still prized as precious gems today. Natural pearls are formed when a foreign object enters an oyster or mollusk and irritates the creature inside. The pearl is a hard, round object that is produced when mollusks, such as oysters, clams, and mussels, respond to an irritant inside the shell. The mollusk secretes nacre (pearly material) over the irritant to form a pearl.
Natural pearls form without any intervention in the world. They are incredibly rare to find and are considerably more valuable than cultured pearls. Natural pearls have become more scarce in the last century, driving the price of this fine jewelry piece up. It has also increased the intrinsic cultural value of natural pearls within the jewelry and fashion industry.
Cultured pearls are just that, pearls that are cultured in a laboratory. They form when technicians help the process by injecting an irritant to encourage the production of nacre. The resulting pearl is much more affordable because of its wider availability.
How To Choose Pearls
Like diamonds, pearls have several factors that impact the price of an individual gemstone and the cumulative value of an overall piece. While there is no right or wrong way of choosing pearls, here are things to look out for when making a purchase decision on a new piece of jewelry:
Size
Pearls measurements are done in millimeters. Different types of pearls are generally different sizes, but the range of a pearl’s size can go from 5 to 16mm.
Shape
Perfect circular pearls are the rarest shape for pearl jewelry. Pearl lovers also enjoy different shapes of pearls including semi-round and baroque pearls.
Color
Pearls come in a degree of different colors. Choosing a pearl color is a matter of choice. Usually a good way to decide is holding up the pearl to your skin and choosing a color you like against your skin tone.
Luster
Luster is distinguised by how much of a reflection you can see in your pearl. The more nacre a pearl contians, the greater reflection and shine your pearl will have.
Surface
The surface of a pearl is ideally free of blemishes and smooth. Like other naturally occuring precious stones – blemishes on pearls can represent the beauty and uniqueness of the gemstone.
Brief History of Pearls
Pearls have been prized for centuries, and it is believed that they first became jewelry around 500 BC. The more recent invention of cultivated pearls made these beautiful gems accessible to everyone in society – with increased affordability due to their production process being significantly less expensive than natural gemstones like diamonds or turquoise stones which can cost tens if not hundreds per carat (.25o).
Today, there are still many people who prize pearls for their beauty and elegance. In addition to being a classic gemstone, pearls are also unique in that they are the only gemstone that is made by a living creature – specifically, oysters.
Types of Pearls
Pearls are representative of the protective power and purity of our closest celestial neighbor – the moon. They are cultivated for the simplicity and elegance in jewelry.
Collectors enjoy pearls in different colors, shapes, and types of jewelry (necklaces, earrings, rings, etc). You can enjoy pearls in white, black, and even shades of green.
No matter your personal style, there is a type of pearl suitable for your collection.
Fresh Water Pearls
Freshwater pearls are a classic choice for elegant jewelry. These lustrous gems come in a wide range of natural colors, from subtle hues of white and cream to light pink. Their soft, luminescent shades make them perfect for delicate pieces like earrings and cluster jewelry.
If you’re looking for a timeless gemstone that will add a touch of luxury to any outfit, freshwater pearls are a beautiful option. Browse our selection of freshwater pearl jewelry to find the perfect piece for you.
Akoya Pearls
Freshwater pearls are a classic choice for elegant jewelry. These lustrous gems come in a wide range of natural colors, from subtle hues of white and cream to light pink. Their soft, luminescent shades make them perfect for delicate pieces like earrings and cluster jewelry.
If you’re looking for a timeless gemstone that will add a touch of luxury to any outfit, freshwater pearls are a beautiful option. Browse our selection of freshwater pearl jewelry to find the perfect piece for you.
South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls are among the most sought-after gems in the world. Their round shape and signature white color make them highly desirable, and their rarity only adds to their allure.
These beautiful pearls form inside a super-sensitive oyster called the white-lipped Pinctada maxima. The oysters must be carefully cultivated in order to produce the high-quality pearls that are so prized by jewelers and collectors.
The resulting pearls are exceptionally large and smooth, with a dazzling luster that is truly unique. They make stunning statement pieces, whether worn as stud earrings, drops or pendants.
If you’re lucky enough to own a piece of jewelry containing South Sea pear
Tahitian pearls
Tahitian pearls are some of the most beautiful and coveted pearls in the world. These black pearls are grown inside a black-lipped oyster and are prized for their unique colors, which can range from dark gray to true black, with often stunning green or purple overtones. Tahitian pearls make great centerpieces for strands, bracelets, and earrings, and are sure to add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
If you’re lucky enough to own a Tahitian pearl, be sure to take good care of it so that it will last for generations.
How To Care For Pearls
Caring for your pearls is an important part of the jewelry ownership lifecycle. Properly caring for your pearls will ensure their longevity and value in your collection for years and decades to come. Here are some simply tips on caring for your pearls.
Last to put on. First to come off.
Because of the nature of the pearl – to protect it from potential harmful substances, pearl jewelry should be the last item you put on when getting ready, and it should be the first item that comes off at the end of the day.
Clean Carefully
Wiping down your pearls will remove any harmful particles from its surface that might interact negatively with the nacre coat on the pearl itself. Periodically use warm water and soft soap to clean them.
Proper Storage
Your pearls should not be stored on any abbrasive surfaces. A soft cloth bag or a felt lined jewelry box is best. If possible, keep the pearls from hitting each other as well – so that there is minimal friction between the individual pearls over a long period of time.
Service Periodically
You can take your pearl jewelry in to a local jeweler to professionally steam clean your piece. If you are in the Naples, FL area – Yamron Jewelers can provide this service.
