Pearls are perhaps the most elegant form of jewelry. They have been used for hundreds of years as jewelry and accessories. A classic string of pearls is seen as timeless, and having a pair of elegant pearl earrings can set a person apart. However much they stand out and make a statement, there are a few facts about pearls that not many people are aware of:
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Pearls are sometimes called Organic Gems
Since they are sourced naturally through living creatures, pearls have gained a particularly interesting title. Unlike other gem stones and jewelry, pearls are literally grown inside living creatures. Funnily enough, an organic pearl starts out as a parasite or an unwelcome grain of sand, making its way inside an oyster.
The oyster, as a defence mechanism, coats the vexation with a natural fluid it makes inside of itself. After multiple coatings over the irritant, it turns into what we know as pearls. The reason they are not found in every oyster is because not every oyster has parasites!
There are Different Types of Pearls
While natural pearls are found in different shapes and sizes, depending on the way it was formed, other types of pearls are made through human intervention. The size of the pearl created over time depends on how long the intruder is left inside of the mollusc.
The price of cultured pearls depends largely on the size of the pearl. The size is calculated through its diameter and formed into jewelry such as Pearl Strands & Necklaces which consist of pearls the same size. Other pearls that exist are saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls, and fake pearls. As the names suggest, saltwater pearls come from saltwater creatures. They can be both natural and cultured, however they are largely natural. Freshwater pearls are usually cultured. They are those pearls that come from freshwater creatures, living in clear water.
Natural pearls, due to difficulty in sourcing them, are much more expensive than cultured pearls. The difference in cost lies largely due to the fact that sourcing natural pearls is difficult. Reaching the oysters in the sea and weeding out pearls from hundreds of them is a tiring and mundane process. There is a huge amount of work that goes into reaching the oysters and opening each one to see if there are pearls inside of it.
Pearls come in Different Shapes
If you have ever seen natural pearls, you will notice that they come in a variety of shapes and are uneven. This is because the way they are shaped is done so without intervention, which means they can grow in whichever direction and shape the oyster grows them in. However, round and perfectly spherical pearls, since they are the most desired, are also the most expensive. While they may be shaped round naturally, chances are they have had some form of human intervention.
Pearls are the most Timeless Form of Jewelry
Throughout time, pearls have created a name for themselves as the most elegant and sophisticated type of jewelry to exist. Pearls have been looked at as a sign of wealth and prestige in the past and that tradition has been carried down generation to generation. In fact, Europe made a law during the middle ages that declared only royalty and people of high status could wear pearls! That is how prestigious they were! Pearls were also a form of jewelry that was laid into royal crowns and swords.
Great as Gifts
They are highly regarded as perfect gifts for loved ones amongst other jewelry items. Even though some people may not be aware of this, they are classified under the same category as diamonds and gold. A tradition passed down through generations is giving couples pearls on their 30th anniversary. Over time, pearls have also been given to women on occasions such as their quinceaneras, birthdays, and given as wedding presents.
Pearls need care
As they are a natural material, pearls need to be cared for in order to make them last long and make them look brand new. Special care of pearls is essential as they are technically made from organic materials. You can look after your pearl strands and necklaces by wiping them with a soft cloth. They must be put away carefully as they are delicate.
Your skin can help pearls live longer!
As odd as it may sound, the natural oils from your skin keeps pearls hydrated! Instead of saving them for a special occasion, wearing them regularly can help them look their best. This works out well for both you and your pearls as you both will look great with them on! However, keep in mind that you should put your pearl jewelry on only after spraying perfume or applying lotions to your skin as this could damage your pearls.
There are Different Types of Pearls
So you have a wide range to pick from when it comes to pearls! If you are unsure of what type looks good on you, you can always opt for fake pearls before buying the real thing. However, you can bet that pearl jewelry looks great on everyone!
Just like diamonds, pearls are loved by many people as well. They make you look classy and elegant!