The Luster of Pearls

   By SheSpeaksTeam  Jun 13, 2013
681

 

From Kate Middleton to Catwoman.. from Jackie O to Angelina Jolie.. from Coco to Oprah and Carrie to Rihanna.. women of allure wear pearls. To June brides they symbolize a new life, to June grads they symbolize wisdom. They are the queen of gems, and the gem of Queens, and now you can win them by commenting below!

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Pearls are considered the most magical and feminine of all gems, prized for their beauty and rarity. They are the only organic gemstone. When a foreign substance enters the soft tissue of certain mollusks, they coat it with layers and layers of iridescent crystalline nacre, forming a pearl.

Natural pearls are extremely rare and valuable (only one in 10,000 oysters will naturally produce a pearl) and if Mikimoto hadn’t come along, only the very wealthy would ever be able to afford a pearl. In the late 19th century he developed a technique for artificially stimulating (culturing) round pearls in Akoya saltwater oysters. He then revolutionized the industry so that these saltwater pearls could be farmed and harvested like a crop! It took approximately one year for each millimeter of nacre to be formed around his newly-cultured pearl.

Today, those techniques have expanded to freshwater pearls, making genuine pearl jewelry widely available. But Akoya saltwater pearls are still considered to be the gold-standard of cultured pearls because of their luster. The finest ones almost look electric, or 'plugged-in' and are classified as "mirror bright."

The most luxurious pearls in the world are South Sea, which come in white, silver, pink, gold, cream - followed by Tahitian pearls which are a dark mix of silver, green, blue, purple, red and sometimes look like 'peacock.' On the opposite end of the price scale are Keshi pearls (means 'accident' because they are the result of a mistake in the implantation process) which are almost all nacre and have extraordinary luster (which jewelers say is the most important attribute of a pearl) and can be found in beautiful, fanciful designs. 

Spherical pearls (should roll in a straight line) are the most difficult to achieve and are much more expensive than semi-round, button, drop, pear, oval, circle or baroque shapes. 7.5mm was once the standard size, but as the industry changes we see pearls of all types and colors becoming the treasured heirlooms that are passed from mothers to daughters. 

 Pearl Necklace Lengths

 Collar   10-13"    At throat with no drape
 Choker   14-16"    At base of neck 
 Princess   17-19"    Just below collarbone; classic length 
 Matinee   20-24"    At cleavage 
 Opera   28-35"    At sternum 
 Rope   45"+    For layering and lariats

 

Sometimes the value of pearls comes from more than just size and luster. According to lore, Marc Antony searched long and hard for the one he gave Cleopatra, and Krishna gave them to his beloved daughter on her wedding day. Even though no less than the Cartier Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City was purchased in full for just a double strand of pearls - we also value pearls because of a personal connection to someone precious or the remembrance of a special event in our lives. For many, they are the ultimate jewelry statement in grace and beauty hence the saying "All Girls Love Pearls."    

Do you like pearls? If so, comment below by June 30th for a chance to win a strand of cultured pearls (necklace) or a pearl bracelet or pearl earrings - just tell us your favorite thing about pearls! The three winners will be randomly selected and notified via email by July 2nd.

 

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Comments
cllewis2001 by cllewis2001 | LEWIS MCCHORD, WA
Jun 17, 2013

Pearls have such a beautiful soft glow and a perfect weight .

kratzy by kratzy | Durham, NC
Jun 17, 2013

I love the classic elegance of pearls. A simple strand of pearls can elevate a simple dress or blouse to an elegant outfit. With pearls now available in different colors, you really no excuse not have a couple of strands. I have a simple white one and a necklace that has white pearls mixed in with little blue lapis beads.

5amigos by 5amigos | GRANITEVILLE, SC
Jun 17, 2013

Its so awesome to think about how they are made!

star6tko by star6tko | SAN MARCOS, CA
Jun 17, 2013

Pearls are timeless and elegant!

wintersa by wintersa | FORT COLLINS, CO
Jun 17, 2013

They remind me of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, timeless.

wintersa by wintersa | FORT COLLINS, CO
Jun 17, 2013

They remind me of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, timeless.

fern428 by fern428 | STATEN ISLAND, NY
Jun 17, 2013

i still have a pearl bracelet from my grandmother, it makes me so happy to look at it and remember her

HannahNichole by HannahNichole | REDLANDS, CA
Jun 17, 2013

Ive never had pearls but I love you can go from casual to formal with them and they are never out of date.

HannahNichole by HannahNichole | REDLANDS, CA
Jun 17, 2013

no idea there were so many

funkymunky1515 by funkymunky1515 | WAUCONDA, IL
Jun 17, 2013

I love pearls because they can make any outfit look instantly classy!

cntleger by cntleger | LEOMINSTER, MA
Jun 17, 2013

Pearls are classic, timeless elegance. I love that they stay at their most beautiful only if worn frequently - they need us and we need them!

lelabrown by lelabrown | EDGEWOOD, NM
Jun 17, 2013

Pearls are timeless and I would love to have a real strand of them someday. My aunt stole the ones that my grandmother gave me a long time ago ♥

pearlallen by pearlallen | austin, TX
Jun 17, 2013

Pearls are priceless just like my name Pearl

foxywinter by foxywinter | Fayetteville, GA
Jun 17, 2013

I have never had peals but i know i would look great in them!

cmcna_1 by cmcna_1 | PHILADELPHIA, PA
Jun 17, 2013

Pearls are elegant , timeless, go well with anything