The Passion of
PearlSymbol 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. |
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