Our Gems
Pearl
History and Folklore
Throughout history in almost all cultures pearls have been highly valued and associated with royalty and nobility. Chinese myths tell of pearls falling from the skies; while Greeks believed they would bring love and marital bliss. In Rome, they were worn as a symbol of prestige and wealth. Pearls are thought to give you love, money, luck and to protect children.
Facts and Information
Pearls, along with alexandrite, are considered the birthstone for June. Pearls come in a variety of shapes: perfectly round and smooth, slightly off round, baroque (almost egg shaped), and even button shaped.
Culturing pearls is a process that was started over a hundred years ago by Japanese businessman, Kokichi Mikimoto. He is considered by many to be the father of the modern pearl industry and helped catapult pearls into the gemstone industry.
Pearls common varieties are:
- Akoya Pearls - Almost always round in shape, these are cultured in the seas of Japan and China. Commonly found in white, cream, and slightly pink colors.
- Freshwater Pearls - Grown mainly in China, these pearls can come in every shape imaginable. Commonly found in white, cream, dyed black, and slightly pink colors. These pearls are also grown in the United States.
- South Sea Pearls - Grown in the warm waters around Indonesia, Philippines and Australia, these pearls can reach sizes up to 18mm. Commonly found in yellow, gold, white, cream colors.
- Tahitian Pearls - Cultivated mainly in French Polynesian islands, these
pearls are known for their rich black and grey tones.
Gemstone Identification and Characteristics
- R.I.: 1.530 - 1.685
- Hardness: 2.5 - 4.5
- S.G. Saltwater: 2.61 - 2.85
- S.G. Fresh Water: 2.66 - 2.78
Cleaning Methods
- Avoid jewelry cleaning chemicals and solutions
- Never clean in the ultrasonic
- Never clean with a steamer
- Clean with a soft cloth
