All About Pearls

The pearl, gets its name from the Old French perle and from the Latin perna meaning “leg,” referring to the leg-of-mutton shape of an open mollusk shell. Pearls are the only gemstone to be created by a living creature! They develop underwater, instead of on the earth, into various colors, shapes and sizes.

How is a pearl made? Well, a bit of sand gets stuck in an oyster’s shell. The sand irritates the oyster, and then creates a nacre to coat the irritant. Continuous layers of nacre build up, finalizing with a larger and larger pearl over time. The production of a pearl from start to finish can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years!

Pearls  symbolize wealth and good luck. They are believed to contain powerful energies and abilities to heal the body, mind and soul. Their natural elegance and exquisite beauty are timelessly captivating. Pearls are a great gift for anyone born in June!

Tahitian pearls, also known as black pearls, are cultivated in the waters around French Polynesia. Despite their name, they come in a range of dark colors such as black, gray, green, and peacock blue. They are valued for their unique and exotic appearance.

 

 

Keshi is the Japanese word referring to pearls being formed and developed without a nucleus. They are small, irregularly shaped pearls that can occur in both saltwater and freshwater mollusks. Keshi pearls more often than not have high luster and come in varied array of colors. 

 

 

Freshwater pearls are found in lakes, rivers, and ponds mostly in China. Compared to saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are smaller in size and come in many variations of shapes, such as round, oval, and irregular. They produce a wide range of colors, which includes white, pink, lavender, and pastel shades.

 

Also known as blister pearls, mabe pearls are cultured pearls. They grow on the inside of the oyster's shell instead of within its tissue. They have flat backs and are easily used in creating pendants and earrings.

 

Keep your pearls looking beautiful! Pearls are very soft. They range between 2.5 and 4.5 on the Mohs scale. They are so sensitive to acidity and extreme heat that an authentic pearl can even disintegrate in vinegar. When wearing pearls keep away from chemicals such as perfumes, lotions, cosmetics, and hairspray. They can dull the pearls' surface and damage their luster over time. The best time to put your pearls on is after applying your cosmetics.

Clean your pearls gently with a soft, damp cloth or a cleaning solution specifically for pearls. Avoid using brushes or abrasives that could scratch or damage the pearls. When you are done cleaning, gently dry them with a soft cloth. 

Carefully store your delicate pearls separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching. Keep them in a soft pouch or in a jewelry box with individual compartments or lined with a soft fabric. Avoid storing pearls in very hot or dry environments. It's best to store them in a cool and dark place, away from sunlight or strong artificial light.

Did you know wearing your pearls regularly helps maintain their luster? They absorb small amounts of moisture from your skin. Be careful wearing pearls during rough activities or excessive sweating.

Some wearers find that restringing pearl strands every couple years can ensure their durability. If you notice your strand of pearls are loosening or have weakened, you can have them restrung by a professional jeweler.