Pearl

Symbol of modesty, chastity and purity.

People have coveted natural pearls as symbols of
wealth and status for thousands of years. A Chinese
historian recorded the oldest written mention of natural
pearls in 2206 BCE. The spherical shape of some pearls
led many cultures to associate this gem with the moon.
In ancient China, pearls were believed to guarantee
protection from fire and fire-breathing dragons. In
Europe, they symbolized modesty, chastity and purity.

Color

Pearl bodycolor varies by the type of mollusk it
is formed in. Although white pearls are the most
traditional, other colors are very popular. The main
bodycolor of a pearl is often modified by additional
colors called overtones, which are typically pink,
green, purple or blue. Some pearls also show the
iridescent phenomenon known as orient that adds
to the overall color.

Formation

Pearls may form in any mollusk. Not all pearls are of
the nacreous type commonly seen in jewelry.​ Conch,
​Melo and clam pearls are all examples of non-nacreous pearls.

​The GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors™

​The qualities that determine the overall value of a
natural or cultured pearl are size, shape, color, luster,
surface quality, nacre quality and matching.

​Source

Akoya cultured pearls are grown in Japan and
China. Leading sources of South Sea cultured
pearls are Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Tahitian cultured pearls are primarily cultivated
around the islands of French Polynesia. China and
the United States are leading sources for freshwater
cultured pearls.

Treatments

Pearls may be dyed, coated, bleached, filled or
irradiated to either enhance their luster or alter
the pearl color. Dyed cultured pearls are usually
detectable because they look artificial to the
unaided eye. However, dyed pearls of lighter
tones can be difficult to detect.

​Akoya pearls form in
saltwater mollusks and
come in white, cream
or light grey, some with
hints of pink or green.

“Tahitian” pearls form
in saltwater and come in
eggplant purple, peacock
green and various tones
of grey.​

South Sea pearls are
found in saltwater
and come in silver,
white and golden.​

​Freshwater pearls are
usually cultured in lakes
and ponds, and have a
wide range of colors.

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All information are courtesy of Gemological Institute of America (GIA). OR DIAMOND are not affiliated with, connected to, or associated with GIA other than selling diamonds and gemstones graded by GIA and have GIA trained staff gemologist and accredited jewelry professional on site. 

Images courtesy: Latendresse Family, American Pearl Company