Pearls in all their forms have been prized from ancient times to today. Associated through the ages, from Aphrodite to June Cleaver, pearls are a gem, but not a gemstone. They are the only organic gem made by a living creature in nature.
Different species of bivalves produce nacre, or liquified calcium carbonate, to coat an irritant inside their shells. As the nacre hardens, more layers form, and the pearl grows in size with increasing luster. Large pearls from the South Seas and Australia, highly lustrous cultured pearls from Japan, and freshwater pearls from many countries are part of a wide selection of pearl jewelry today.
Referenced throughout history, pearls have religious and secular notations -- from the Pearly Gates to Pearls of Wisdom. Mythology associated pearls with the sea and mermaids. Astrology has a role with pearl references to the moon and Venus. Queen Elizabeth wore her signature three-strand pearl necklace to view the Trooping of the Colour for her Platinum Jubilee last week. Brides, Kings, Coco Chanel, and the clergy have all worn pearls to showcase their style and status. Today’s more casual styles feature pearls worn as stackable bracelets or t-shirt necklaces.
Prices range from $100.00 to tens of thousands in many different designs. No matter the price tag, all pieces of pearl jewelry have a feminine and reserved style that exudes class and elegance. Pearls also appeal to those that want to wear fine jewelry without the glitter of diamonds and gemstones. However you choose to wear them, pearls will always be considered a timeless classic.
