A pearl is unique in the fact that it is the only gemstone to be created from a living creature. An organic gem, pearls are formed inside mollusks such as oysters and mussels. They are formed when an irritant such as a tiny stone or bit of sand gets inside the mollusk's shell. A lustrous substance, called nacre, is secreted around the object to protect the soft internal surface of the mollusk. As layer upon layer of nacre coats the irritant, a pearl is formed.
Light that is reflected from these overlapping layers produces a characteristic iridescent luster. This process of building a solid pearl can take up to seven or eight years. Only mollusks that produce mother-of-pearl are able to create a quality pearl. Common examples are freshwater clams and saltwater oysters.
Pearls vary in color from white to those with a hint of color, often pink, to brown or black. Each coloration will depend on the type of mollusk and the water where the mollusk lived. Because the nacre is organic, pearls are very sensitive to extreme heat, acids, dryness, and humidity.
Pearls are quite "soft" and range between 2.5 and 4.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. They should be protected from extreme wear. Care should also be taken when storing them. One easy way to check if a pearl is genuine is to gently rub one against the teeth, only a real pearl will feel rough to the touch.
Pearls are weighed by carats (1 pearl grain = 50 milligrams = 1/4 carat) and those weighing less than 1/4 grain are called seed pearls. The largest naturally occurring pearls are the baroque pearls; one such pearl is known to have weighed 1,860 grains.
Pearls are categorized as natural pearls (foreign particle squeezes in the shell of the mollusk by chance), cultured pearls (the mollusk shell is opened and an irritant such as a mother-of-pearl bead is placed inside), and imitation pearls (made of glass, wax, and/or fish scale).
The most valuable pearls are perfectly symmetrical, relatively large and naturally produced. They have a shimmering iridescence which is called orient luster. They are characterized by their translucence, shape, luster, and by a delicate play of surface color. The most perfect shapes are round, or tear drop and their value increases with their size and luster. Pearls with an irregular shape are referred to as Baroque and Blister pearls.
Natural pearls have been harvested from the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Manaar (Indian Ocean), and the Red Sea for thousands of years. The coasts of Polynesia and Australia produce mainly cultured pearls. Both freshwater and saltwater pearls are cultivated in Japan and China. Freshwater pearls occur in the rivers of Scotland, Ireland, France, Austria, Germany, and the USA (Mississippi). Increased pollution of our waterways and bays continue to cause extreme hardship for the pearl industry.
The color of a pearl is dependent upon the type of mollusk and the environment in which it grows. Pearls range from black to white. Other colors include cream, gray, blue, yellow, lavender, green, mauve, and champagne. Pearls can also be treated to create a wide range of colors.
Pearl is the official birthstone for the month of June as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It is also the birthstone for the Sun Signs of Gemini and Cancer. Fresh water pearls are given on the 1st wedding anniversary. Pearls are also given on the 3rd, 12th and 30th anniversaries.
Pearls have been a symbol of purity and chastity for centuries and thus, pearl jewelry is to this day a popular wedding jewelry worn by many a bride.
Mother of Pearl was discovered as far back as 500 – 600 AD. Often used in art, mother of pearl made its appearance in jewelry and other adornments in later years. Many tribes and cultures that first possessed mother of pearl valued the oysters more than the pearls. Early history depicts polynesians using the pearls as marbles.
There is much lore surrounding the mother of pearl. Many believe the pearl can heal wounds. Because the pearl is made of calcium and our bodies use calcium, this could have some validity. Many believe that used as a powder, the pearl improves eyesight and lessens the effects of cataracts. Some believe that those who wear the pearl will grow in faith.
Wearing mother of pearl enhances confidence, decision-making ability, and creativity. The lore of mother of pearl says that your ability to focus will be enhanced. At one time it is thought that those who actually swallowed a pearl would live to be immortal.
Mother of pearl brings purity and clarity to your life when you are wearing it. Known as a gem that reflects a mothers love, it brings protection to the mother who wears it.
Pearls have long signified faith, charity and innocence. Pearls also enhance personal integrity and helps focus ones attention.
Known as the 'Stone of Sincerity', the pearl is said to bring truth to a situation and loyalty to a cause as well as quell boisterous behavior.
(Astrological Signs of Cancer & Gemini)
Vibrates to the number 7
Pearls have been used in the treatment of digestive disorders and to increase fertility.
