Gemstone of the Week: Pearls

Pearls are a very special kind of gemstone. They are the only gemstone in the world that is created by an animal instead of found in the earth. Each pearl can take up to 6 months to form. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors depending on the elements that are in the sand and water around them. Although they may seem common these days, naturally occurring pearls are very rare. Most pearls used in jewelry are cultured. This means a pearl harvester will implant a clam with a pearl seed and place it back into a farm area in the ocean to let the pearl grow. It still takes time for a pearl to grow and it is still out in nature, there is just a little help from a human hand. These unique gemstones have been work by many women throughout history as a sign of status and grace. Many of us may remember grandma wearing a beautiful strand of pearls around her neck accompanied by a sweet pair of matching pearl studs. They have been passed down from generation to generation, and are usually worn for special occasions. Women wearing pearls dates back to 520BC and has been passed down from generation to generation since. There are 4 main types of pearls. Freshwater pearls are the most common, making them the most affordable kind of pearl. The Japanese Akoya pearl is the most well-established kind. It has a unique shine and a distinctly spherical shape. Tahitian pearls tend to be found in French Polynesia and are often referred to as black pearls. They come in stunning shades of grey, purple, blue, and green. The final kind of pearl, the South Sea Pearl, is the largest variety with the best luster. They range from beautiful whites to yellows. Stop in today to explore our collection of pearls and continue the tradition of having a classic pearl strand!