Highly prized since antiquity when divers trained their lungs to scour the ocean’s depths in search of them, magnificent pearls never fail to make an elegant and sophisticated impact. While jewellery displaying quality gems was once only within reach of the privileged rich, these days outstanding creations are now available to everyone, regardless of their budget – thanks to affordable, reputable online retailers such as The Jewellery Channel.
The Following Guide Will Explore Some Interesting Facts About Pearls.
Introduction To Pearls
These glowing, delicately feminine gems epitomize purity and charm and have long been a stNatural pearls are formed accidentally in natureatus symbol of wealth and power. In ancient times, pearls were considered to be the symbol of the moon, imbuing them with magical powers to ensure good health and protect against evil. They were once prized as the most valuable of all gems, as well as being the oldest gems on record.
Pearls were once prized as the most valuable of all gems, as well as being the oldest gems on record, dating as far back as 3500 BC in the Middle East and amongst Asian cultures. They were also a favorite of Julius Caesar. Throughout history in fact, pearls have been a favorite of Royalty and higher ranking society – in addition to adorning jewellery, they were woven into stunning garments. The Incas and Aztecs worshiped this gem and in Europe it was once believed that this was where pearls originated.
Natural pearls are formed accidentally in nature inside a living oyster, while cultured pearls (the standard these days) are also grown in oysters but are cultivated and controlled in specialized farms. This process allows the pearl farmer to produce pearls of a consistently high quality and in larger quantities.Pearls come in a variety of shapes, size and color but generally the white, ivory and cream specimens are the most popular.
Main Sources of Pearls
The most valuable baroque pearls are found naturally in the South Sea and Tahiti. Freshwater, Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls are priced in that order from low to high.Naturally colored black pearls originate from the pearl farms of French Polynesia (Tahitian pearls), Indonesia and the Philippines. ‘Biwa’ is the generic name for all freshwater pearls, irrespective of their shape. They were originally found only in Lake Biwa, a large freshwater lake near Kyoto, Japan, but pearl production has now unfortunately ceased in this area due to industrial pollution.
Japanese Akoya pearls are more expensive than the Chinese Akoya variety, but many pearls from China are sold to Japan for re-export as Japanese Akoya pearls, so it’s important to buy from a reputable dealer so that you know exactly where they come from. Mikimoto pearls were once produced in Japan – they are formed by placing a bead into an oyster shell where it becomes coated with nacre. This Mother of Pearl variety has a luster surpassing other pearls cultivated in this way.
Pearl Buyers Tips
• Pearls are the only gemstones to be made by a living creature.
• Pearls come in a variety of colors depending on the breed of the mollusc, its diet, and the temperature plus quality of the water.
• The size, origin, luster and the absence of blemishes in a pearl will significantly affect its price.
• No two natural pearls are identical, making a natural pearl necklace extremely rare. Perfectly round, natural pearls hardly even occur, since the longer the pearl remains within the oyster the more irregular its shape will become.
• Most natural wild pearls are off-round or baroque (meaning irregular in shape). Non-symmetrical pearls are less expensive than round, symmetrical pearls.
• Bead pearls are seeded with a round shell bead and are often distinguished by a tail on one side.
• Button pearls are round on one side and flat on the other, thus they are less expensive than completely round pearls
• Keishi pearls occur when the mollusc rejects the nucleus and grows as a ‘free form pearl’
• Black pearls are rarely a pure black – they tend to have different hues of blue, grey and peacock green. The majority of ‘black’ pearls are treated by dying or irradiation, which does not however harm the pearl.
• Unlike diamonds, there is no international grading for pearls, except for Tahiti whose Government has a controlled grading system.
Zodiac & Health Benefits
Pearls were once so prized for their believed medicinal properties
Conclusion
The outstanding gleam and elegant beauty of pearls makes them a must-have for any collector. Thanks to online retailers such as The Jewellery Channel, everyone can now own these exquisite gems regardless of their budget.
Author Bio: Julia Little wood is a Jewellery Designer. She is passionate about ornaments, gems and stones. If you want to explore the most vibrant and widest range of jewellery pieces , she suggests you to visit The Jewellery Channel. Julia loves joining parties, fashion shows, exhibitions apart from designing costume jewelries and writing articles for her followers.
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