Timeless, pure, and elegant. These are the common words associated with pearls. Possessing pearls in ancient Roman times used to be an indication of high social status and prestige. Throughout the centuries, the popularity of pearls has skyrocketed and still remain highly sought after today.
Expand your knowledge about this precious gemstone with the following facts:
A Gift from the Sea
For the uninitiated, pearls are the only gems that are created by a living creature. When a tiny piece of sand enters the shells of mollusks such as oysters and mussels, a substance called nacre is secreted around it to protect the internal surface of the creature. As numerous coatings are created, a pearl is then formed. Even after extraction of the pearl, the oyster or mussel may continue to survive, which allows them to create multiple pearls. The process can take at least six months and might last as long as 24 months.
The Four Main Types of Pearls
Pearls vary in size, shape, color, and value, but they can be categorized into four main types. The most common and affordable type is the freshwater pearls, the majority of which are grown in rivers and lakes across China.
Secondly, the Japanese Akoya pearls, a variety of saltwater pearls, are cultivated in Japan and China. They feature spherical shapes and beautiful lusters and are considered the most recognized out of all.
The third kind, found in islands of French Polynesia, is the Tahitian pearls. This is another type of saltwater pearl and is sometimes referred to as black pearls. However, they are also available in shades of grey, blue, green, and purple.
Finally, there is the largest pearl-type in the market, namely the South Sea pearls. Cultivated in the waters of Australia and the Philippines, their white, cream, and golden hues are a hallmark.
The La Peregrina
Also known as “The Wanderer”, La Peregrina is one of the most famous pearls in the world. It has changed hands from several Spanish monarchs like Phillip II of Spain, to even Hollywood stars such as Elizabeth Taylor. This exquisite pearl has a history of 500 years and was auctioned at over $11 million at Christie’s Auction House in New York.
Round and Symmetrical Pearls are Very Rare
No two pearls are alike. Just like how we have our unique fingerprints, each pearl has its individual distinguishing features such as bumps, blemishes, and minuscule flaws. It is extremely rare to find a pearl that is perfectly round, which makes it the most valuable as well. There are eight basic shapes of pearls: semi-round, round, drop, button, pear, baroque, oval, and circle. The key is to find the pearl that “speaks” to you.
Let this guide be your first step in your journey to understanding pearls and realizing their uniqueness.
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