One of the most alluring and timeless pieces of fine jewelry that almost every woman should have in her jewelry box are PEARLS. For centuries, they have been regarded for their beauty and purity. In today’s modern times, they are a symbol of timeless elegance and can be found in numerous styles that range from classic to contemporary.
Unlike the many gemstones that are produced deep inside the Earth, pearls are probably one of the most intriguing gems as they are created by living land and sea creatures called mollusks. Some would even say that they are an “accidental gem.”
A pearl is formed when a foreign particle enters the inside of the mollusk by accident. The animal senses the object and then immediately begins to defend itself by coating it with layers of nacre – a protein-like material that is the same substance that the animal uses to build its shell. It can take up to twenty years for a mollusk to produce a pearl, depending upon the size of the mollusk and if it was living in saltwater or freshwater.
There are two types of harvested pearls – natural and cultured. Natural pearls have existed for centuries, however, because they have been harvested for so long, they are quite rare finds. Cultured pearls are grown in pearl farms, which some would say is both a practiced art and an exacting science. The mollusks are raised until they are old enough for a specially trained grafter to surgically implant a small bead and then the mollusks are returned to the water and cared for while the pearl forms. Not all mollusks will produce a pearl and not all of the pearls will be of high quality. It has been estimated that close to 10,000 pearls may be sorted before a 16” single strand of beautifully matched pearls is assembled.
Our showroom has carried both natural and cultured pearls over the years and we have always taken great pride in designing each piece of jewelry so that it specifically highlights the uniqueness and beauty of the pearl. They truly are some of nature’s simplest beauties – so timeless, so classic, yet still brimming with style. We hope you will continue to treasure your pearl jewelry and think of us for when you are ready to add to your collection!