what is it about the pearl that brings so much fascination?

People like pearls for many reasons, be their beauty, the iridescence that is emanated, or even their personality. It is hard to note down the pearl’s intrinsic qualities into words, none-the-less people have tried. Pearls are mentioned in poems, song lyrics and letters of the heart. One thing is sure; the pearl is eternal and lovely. What is the pearl?

Types of Pearl

The pearl is born inside the shells of a special type of clams. The best-known pearl is the nacreous pearl. It is produced by two types of clams or oysters. A pearl is made from layers of nacre. The oyster produces nacre and is deposited around any foreign object that becomes lodged in them. The thicker the nacre, the more valuable the pearl is.

It is common to hear the term “Mother of pearl.”  Mother of pearl is the name for iridescent nacre; oysters and clams secrete minerals inside their shells to protect themselves against anything that happens to get inside them, such as parasites and foreign objects. So jewelry made from pearls is considered organic jewelry.

The rarest of all pearls is the natural pearl or wild pearl. They are produced in nature without human intervention.  Natural pearls can be sold at extraordinary prices.

The best-known pearl is the cultured pearl. They are made using human intervention. A small foreign object is implanted inside an oyster. The “mother oyster” deposits the nacre on the object and with time and the right conditions a pearl is made inside the oyster.

There are two kinds of cultured pearls:

The saltwater pearls come from the Akoya oyster; they are more expensive than freshwater pearls.

The freshwater pearls come from a freshwater mussel.

The majority of pearls sold today are cultured pearls.

Pearl Color

The body colors of a pearl can be white, cream, yellow, pink, silver, or black. Pearls can have secondary colors, overtones, which cause iridescence when light hits their surface.

Pearl Luster

The most famous characteristic of a pearl is their luster. It is a special intense deep shine. When light is reflected off of the tiny crystals embedded in pearl’s nacre surface, it creates a distinct look.. When people speak of “pearl color,” they refer to the pearl’s luster.

Pearl Shape

Pearls are found in eight shapes: round, semi-round, button, drop, pear, oval, baroque, and circled.

Pearls that are perfectly round are the rarest and most valuable.

Pearl Myths:

There are so many myths and folk legends surrounding the pearl, most common are:

* The pearl has powers of love, money and good luck.

* The Romans wore pearls to get protections from the gods.

* The Chinese believe that pearls fell from fighting dragons in the clouds.

Pearl jewelry

Pearls are mounted on necklaces, crowns, earrings, rings and pendants.

Pearls are judged according to luster, color, size, grade and symmetry. Most important is luster.

Pearl Rings

Pearls are used in all types of rings. Pearl rings are often designed to include other gems, such as diamonds, sapphires or amethysts. Whether used in Cocktail rings or engagement rings, the pearl is a natural choice.

Pearl Ring Setting

To attach a pearl in a ring, it is half-drilled, inserted into a post and secured.

Care of pearl ring

Pearls are organic. They need to be taken care of on a regular basis. Unlike many other gems, pearls are susceptible to damage. Some basic tips need to be considered so that they can keep their pearl luster and beauty.

• Put your ring on after putting on makeup or perfume.
• Take off your ring before using any lotion.
• Never pull your ring by the pearl itself.
• Take off your ring when working.
• Do not keep your ring in high humidity areas, such as the bathroom.
• Do not let your ring rub against other jewelry in storage.
• Wipe your ring with a soft wet cloth to remove dirt and oil.
• When using a jewelry cleaner, make sure it is rated for pearls.