Pearl is one of the most beautiful and precious things created by nature. Found deep in oceans, pearls have always symbolized beauty and elegance and are often used as a synonym for a woman’s eyes. In ancient times, pearl was considered to be a sign of prosperity, good health and love, and hence, parents would gift pearls to their daughters for a happy and prosperous life.
These organic gems are created when a foreign object is covered with layers of nacre by an oyster. An ordinary thing is converted into a beautiful gem by the oysters.
. Pearls can be created naturally or culturally by human aid. The natural pearls found in oceans, which are very rare, are the most valued and sought after. Natural pearls are created when a parasite or microscopic invader enters inside a shell. Being irritated by the particle, the mollusk starts forming a pearl sac on it by secreting calcium carbonate and conchiolin (organic horn-like compound). This process is repeated many times and finally a pearl is formed. Natural pearls are formed in many shapes and the rarest are the perfect round ones. Natural pearls are found in many parts of the world, but Bahrain coast is the most prime location.
For cultured pearls, small beads are placed inside an oyster and the oyster is again returned back into the water. The oyster covers these beads with layers of nacre and pearls are formed. The oysters can be freshwater or saltwater; the latter being more costly. Saltwater pearls are harvested mostly in Japan while freshwater pearls harvested in mussels are produced mostly in China. The extremely rare and valuable Tahitian black cultured pearls and South Sea cultured pearls are produced in the warm waters of South Pacific Ocean.
Pearls have been used as jewelry since many centuries. The value of the pearl is determined by its luster, size, shape, color and surface. If all other values are similar, it is the size of the pearl that matters the most. Large and perfect round pearls have got the greatest value. There are 8 basic shapes of pearl- round, button, semi-round, drop, baroque, circled, oval and pear. Of these, round, semi-round and baroque are mostly used in necklaces; while button, pear and drop shaped pearls are mostly used in earrings and pendants.
Pearl necklaces are named according to their length, when worn around the neck. A ‘collar’ necklace, which fits perfectly on the throat, measures 25 to 34 cm in length while a ‘choker’, which nestles at the base of neck, measures 35 to 40 cm in length. A ‘princess length’, which reaches to the collar bone, is 50 to 60 cm long, a ‘matinee length’ measures 70 to 90 cm in length and falls just above the chest while an ‘opera length’ which reaches the breastbone measures 70 to 90 cm long. Finally, a ‘pearl rope’ measures more than 115 cm long. You can wear these necklaces according to your choice and which complements your attire. Make sure to test the pearls carefully before buying as there are many fake pearls in market, which look exactly like genuine pearls.
