Where they come from, meanings, and how to care for them

Pearls are a staple to many wardrobes. They may be natural, but most likely are cultured. Pearls are usually thought of as round, but can come in many forms, usually referred to as baroque. Pearls can come in many colors naturally, but may also be dyed to any color of the rainbow.

32″ Baroque Gray Pearl Necklace with Floral Clasp

Pearls are organic gems grown inside of mussels and oysters, some freshwater, but mostly saltwater. The mollusks secrete nacre over natural abrasives, such as sand. With cultured pearls, technicians will implant a piece of mantle tissue to begin the process. The mollusk will treat it as an irritant and will start to cover it in nacre. The thicker the nacre, the longer the process, the better the end result.

Tahitian Black Pearl Stud Earrings

Pearls have long been associated with purity and innocence, which is why throughout history they were often given to a bride. These organic gems have been said to bring prosperity and long life. Other cultures believed in their ability to alleviate indigestion, quiet nervous tremors, or even alleviate depression.

The origin of pearls has long enchanted civilizations. Ancients from the Middle East believed that pearls were teardrops fallen from heaven. The Chinese fancied that the June birthstone came from the brain of a dragon. Christopher Columbus and his contemporaries thought that mollusks formed pearls from dew drops.

South Seas Pearl & Diamond Earrings

Tahitian Pearl & 7.40 CTW Diamond Clip Earrings

Saltwater cultured pearls are grown in many areas around the world. Akoya cultured pearl farms are primarily found in Japan and China, especially along the southern coasts of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. South Sea cultured pearls are farmed from the northern coast of Australia through Indonesia to the southern coast of Southeast Asia, with large operations in the Philippines as well. The Gambier Islands and the Tuamotu Archipelago, both part of French Polynesia, are two locales where the rich black Tahitian pearls are cultured. China is the dominant source of freshwater cultured pearls.
credit GIA: https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/june-birthstones#birthstone_1

12mm Golden South Seas Pearl & Diamond Ring

Pearls are quite soft as far as gems go. You must treat them with extreme care. Store them away from other gems, so they will not be scratched. Hairspray and perfume can damage the nacre of the pearl, so be sure that your pearls are the last thing you put on for an evening out. The best way to clean your pearls is with a soft damp cloth, ideally after each time that they are worn.

South Seas Pearl & Diamond Platinum Ring