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Pearls - “The Queen of Gems”,
The love of the pearl remains a constant through generations and across cultures. The story of the pearl’s creation is a metaphor for the life well lived. Hardship and misfortune can be overcome to produce something of great beauty - pearls of wisdom.
A pearl is created when the body of an oyster or mussel is invaded by a small particle. To soothe the irritation caused by the intruder a crystalline substance called nacre is secreted.
A natural pearl is an accident of nature. A cultured pearl is created artificially by the mechanical introduction of an irritant which causes the deposit of nacre upon it in exactly the same way as the natural pearl is produced.
Freshwater pearls are half the price of saltwater pearls. Both are cultivated but freshwater are cultivated from freshwater mussels rather than saltwater oysters.
What to look for in a pearl:-
LUSTRE: The “glow” of the pearl is created by the reflection of light from the layers of nacre. Lustre depends on the quality and thickness of the nacre. The lower the quality of the pearl, the chalkier and more dull its surface.
SURFACE: The fewer the surface imperfections, the rarer and more durable the pearl. A pearl with thinner nacre can more easily be damaged than one with a thicker coating.
COLOUR: Pearls occur in colours from white to black. North Americans tend to prefer rose-coloured pearls, while Japanese prefer silvery pearls. Colour is a personal preference. Try them on before buying to determine which best suits the wearer’s skin tone.
SIZE: Generally, the larger the pearl, the more expensive it is. The average pearl size sold around the world is about seven millimetres.
SHAPE: Because they’re created by nature, it’s rare to find a perfectly round pearl. Less expensive baroque pearls, particularly those with distinct asymmetrical shapes, are becoming popular.
Pearls are relatively soft and require care. Store carefully in a soft pouch, or in a jewellery box away from hard or sharp jewellery. They can be ruined by accidentally spraying with hairspray or perfume which takes the lustre off. Never use commercial jewellery cleaner on them.
Pearls should be properly strung with knots between each pearl to protect them from rubbing against one another and if the strand breaks, you won’t lose all the pearls. A pearl bracelet worn daily should be restrung at least once a year; a necklace at least every three or four years.
Embellished with legend and fact, pearl, despite its lack of durability, has survived all endeavours to relegate its importance below that of its consort, the diamond. Pearls don’t have the flash of diamonds but they have an internal, organic richness that radiates rather than flashes. They’re still so very popular with brides. When someone wants to give a lasting gift, they go for pearls.
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