Let’s take a closer look at the origin, history and properties of pearls.
Pearls have fascinated humanity for thousands of years. Captivated by their beauty, divers plunged to the depths of the sea to bring their shimmering brilliance into human society. Pearls were held in high esteem across various corners of the ancient world—honored by Egyptian pharaohs and Roman emperors alike. They were equally valued in China and Japan, where they were associated with harmony and good fortune.
Pearls are enchanting adornments that evoke powerful emotions. Some pearls are so famous they even have their own names. The world’s most renowned pearl is likely La Peregrina, discovered in the 16th century, which traveled through various European royal houses over the centuries before eventually reaching Elizabeth Taylor.
Pearls are often family heirlooms passed down from generation to generation, thus embodying family history. Their timeless nature makes them an excellent choice for gifts, traditionally given at weddings, birthdays, and significant milestones.
Pearls form naturally inside a mollusk’s shell when a foreign object finds its way inside. As a defensive reaction against this intruder, the mollusk covers it with layers of nacre over time. The name for nacre, mother-of-pearl, originates from the Latin term mater perlarum, which literally translates to “mother of pearls.” It is the hue of the nacre that gives the pearl its uniquely captivating color and luster.
Natural pearls are exceptionally valuable, but they are so rare that today, the majority of them are “cultured.” To grow pearls artificially, a small foreign object is placed inside the mollusk; the creature then begins to coat it with minerals and proteins, resulting in the formation of nacre.
Although there are no universal standard grading systems for pearls, we guarantee that every pearl purchased from us meets our rigorous quality standards. If you wish, you can always obtain information from us regarding different pearl varieties and their quality.
The general color of a pearl is also referred to as its bodycolor. Typical colors include white, cream, yellow, pink, silver, or black. Pearls can also possess a secondary color, or overtone. This becomes visible when light reflects off the pearl’s surface. For example, a pearl necklace might appear white at first glance, but closer inspection may reveal a subtle pinkish overtone.
Black pearls are particularly highly valued for their deep, rich tones. They are rare and found primarily in the waters of Polynesia. Due to their primary place of origin, black pearls have earned their second name—Tahitian pearls. White pearls remain a classic and timeless choice; for instance, South Sea pearls are renowned for their impressive size and incomparable luster.
Pearls possess an extraordinary, deep, and intense luster. This effect occurs as light reflects back through the many layers of nacre. Keep in mind that generally, the larger the pearl, the more layers it contains and the more intensely it shines. Compare a 5 mm freshwater pearl to a 10 mm South Sea pearl, and the difference in radiance and the abundance of nacre layers becomes strikingly clear.
A perfectly round pearl can be considered the rarest of all. Pearls that lack a round or symmetrical shape are generally regarded as being of lower quality. Akoya pearls, Black pearls, and South Sea pearls are known for being the roundest. In contrast, Freshwater pearls often exhibit slight irregularities and tend to be more oval or drop-shaped.
As a pearl develops inside the mollusk, the layers of nacre do not always deposit uniformly. Occasionally, small spots or bubbles may be visible. Pearls with the smoothest surfaces are considered to be of the highest quality and are the most sought-after. We are pleased to offer you pearls with a wide range of surface qualities to suit your preferences.
The size of a pearl depends largely on its type. Freshwater pearls generally range in size from 3.0 to 8.5 mm. In contrast, the sizes of South Sea pearls and black pearls can reach up to 13 mm or more.
If pearls are properly cared for, they can last forever. The best way to maintain them is to wear them as often as possible, as the body’s natural oils help keep them lustrous. However, it is vital to keep pearls away from household chemicals, perfumes, makeup, and hairspray. The chemical compounds found in these products can dull the pearls’ radiance. It is recommended that when getting ready, pearls should be the last thing you put on and, upon returning, the first thing you take off. Before placing your pearls back in their box, wipe them gently with a soft cloth and store them separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching the surface.
