Pearl Elegance

Perhaps the most universally loved and known gem, pearls are sought after for their luster, symmetry, and eye-catching iridescence. Naturally occurring in a wide variety of colors, these gems are truly one of nature's most amazing creations. Read more below to learn about June's incredible birthstone. 

Pearls are steeped in history and lore. The first known mention of pearls is in a document written by a Chinese Historian in 2206 BC. Members of royal families in both Europe and Asia wore this precious gemstone as a sign of wealth, and as a symbol of chastity and purity. When Christopher Columbus reached America, he was said to have encountered Native Americans wearing strands of pearls.

Pearls can be found in almost any body of water. They occur when an irritant, like a grain of sand, makes its way into the shell of an oyster or a mussel. The pearl is then formed when the irritant is covered repeatedly in a substance called nacre. Man-made pearls are created in pearl farms, when an irritant is deliberately introduced to a host mollusk. 

When buying a pearl, consider the four following things: shape, surface, luster, and size. While shape and size are quick to choose from, surface and luster may take more consideration. Surface: is your pearl wrinkled, bumped, chipped or scratched? Perhaps you like these features, as they can make a pearl uniquely beautiful. Luster is the natural shine or sheen of a pearl. This is the factor that makes this gemstone pop when looked at by the naked eye. 

There are 5 types of cultured pearls. Choosing the perfect pearl is a matter of your budget and the look you want your pearl to have. Akoya pearls are usually perfectly round and white. Hanadama pearls are usually silver or blue. Freshwater pearls run the gamut, and can be round and white/cream or varied in shape. South Sea pearls are the rarest pearl, and are cream, white, or silver. Finally, the multi-hued Tahitian: pearls, which come in an array of colors: purple, blue, gray, brown, or green.

Pearl is the birthstone of June. A perfect homage to the summertime with its luxe feel, this stone is as precious as it is lovely. Contact me today to begin your own project featuring pearls!