What is Pearl?

The Pearl is probably the most beloved gemstone in human history. It’s created by clams in rivers and the oceans – the only gemstone created by living animals, alongside coral. Pearls are found in an array of shapes, sizes, and colours. Pearls often thrive the most when they’re worn often since the skin’s natural oils help maintain the pearl’s shine.

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June's Birthstone

The Pearl is June’s birthstone alongside Moonstone. Carrying your birthstone is said to bring luck. You can carry your own birthstone as a lucky amulet or carry the birthstone of your loved ones' as a symbol of love.

Symbolism

The Pearl is the gemstone for honesty and purity. The Pearl focuses on integrity, sincerity, and truth. Throughout time, it has also been a symbol of wealth and luxury. Thus, the Pearl is a great companion for anyone looking for the truth – be it in relationships or personal discovery.

How are pearls made?

A Pearl is made in nature when a foreign object, such as a grain of sand or a small animal, sneaks its way into the clam. Here, the clam begins to cover the foreign object with countless layers of Mother of Pearl in order to protect itself.

What are cultivated pearls?

’Cultivated pearls’ is an expression for a pearl that has been cultivated – but is still genuine. Almost all pearls on the market today are cultivated pearls, who are grown on pearl farms. They are grown by placing foreign objects/implants into the clams’ tissue. The clams are then placed back in the water, where they will cover the implants with countless layers of mother of pearl. The pearls can then be harvested 6-18 months later.

The difference between saltwater-and freshwater pearls

As their names suggest, the difference between saltwater- and freshwater pearls is the environment in which they are grown as well as which type of clam, they’re grown in. Both types of pearls can be cultivated and can take on all shapes. Saltwater pearls are often more expensive, as it takes more time to cultivate them.

The different shapes of pearl

Pearls can be found in all shapes. Among the most popular shapes are:

Round: Perfectly ball-shaped pearl

Oval: Oblong pearl

Drop: Pear/tear-shaped pearl

Baroque: Asymmetrical/uneven
pearl.

What are Keshi Pearls?

Keshi Pearls consist of 100% Mother of Pearl and don’t have an artificially placed core like cultivated pearls do. The Keshi pearl occurs naturally in the clam’s tissue when pearls of other shapes are cultivated in the same clam. The Keshi Pearl is characterized by its flat, baroque shape, which sort of resembles cornflakes.

What are Mabe Pearls?

The Mabe Pearl is a pearl that is created on the inside of the clam’s shell, whereas other pearls are created in the clam’s tissue. That’s why Mabe Pearls always have a flat backside.

Pearls throughout history

The use of pearls can be dated thousands of years back in time when they were worn as symbols of luxury and wealth. The Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, was said to have allegedly dissolved a large pearl in a glass of wine, just to demonstrate her wealth. The Pearl has also been loved by a number of iconic women such as Marie Antoinette, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, and Coco Chanel.