The word ‘Pearl’ derived from Latin Perula, which simply means the son of the sea. Pearls are dignified, brilliant, elegant, and pure. It is also known as the Queen of Gems. Pearls symbolize health, tranquility, and wealth. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) listed pearls as June’s birthstone and the lucky stone for the 13th and 30th wedding anniversary, due to its magnificent colors and elegant qualities.
Symbolizing health, purity, wealth, and happiness, pearl has been loved by people since ancient times. In 4000 BC, according to Chinese historical documentaries, pearls were usually offered as tributes from one country to another to establish relationships and show sincerity and loyalty.
On the other hand, pearl has been recognized as an iconic style of Princess Diana, who effortlessly and inimitably set off pearls with grace and elegance.
Pearl is an organic gemstone composed of calcium carbonate. It forms when an “outsider”—usually a parasite or grain of sand—enters the mother of pearl, i.e., an oyster or clam.
To protect itself, the oyster secretes a glutinous fluid called nacre, coating the irritant. Layer upon layer builds over time, eventually forming a lustrous pearl.
The thicker the nacre layer, the more lustrous the pearl. This formation process takes months to years.
Pearls were naturally formed in the wild until 1893, when a Japanese entrepreneur successfully generated the first cultured pearl.
Today, nearly 99% of pearls globally are cultured. This doesn't mean they are synthetic — cultured pearls are grown naturally in farms, with a small intervention where a nucleus is inserted into the mollusk to start the pearl-forming process.
A live oyster is pried open just 2–3 cm, and the pearl grows naturally thereafter.
Cultured pearls fall into two categories:
A single freshwater mollusk can produce up to 30 pearls, which makes them more abundant than seawater pearls.
Seawater oysters generally produce one pearl at a time, making them more exclusive. They are also more rounded and lustrous in most cases.
There are 3 main types:
Akoya pearls are especially loved by experienced collectors and retailers.
The dark golden South Sea pearl is the rarest and most valuable of all South Sea pearls.
These pearls are known for their exotic, mysterious glow.
This is a simple yet complete guide to pearl types commonly seen in the market. If you're unsure about which gemstone to choose, pearls are always a timeless, elegant option.
“Pearls are always appropriate.” – Jackie Kennedy
Your cart is currently empty.
