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PEARL

Overview:

Pearl is formed in shellfish as a reactant to an irritant such as a piece of sand. Cultured pearls are created by adding a piece of mussel or shell inside of an oyster of mussel. This then creates a pearl as layers of the inside of the shell grow over the added substance.


The price of pearls vary widely as a result of luster, size, how they were grown, color and type. Natural pearls are the most expensive, followed by cultured pearls. Fresh water pearls tend to be relatively inexpensive. Pearl is a classic piece of jewelry.



Usage:

Pearl is said to help one see himself and help improve self-worth. Giving a loved one a gift of natural pearls is one of the nicest gifts one can give. It allows the wearer to see the love of the person who gave them the pearls.As an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity, the Pearl symbolizes love, success, and happiness. They often symbolize a happy marriage and in many countries are used as a wedding gift.

Physical Properties:

Pearl

Pearl Birthstone

Color
white, brown, silver, cream, black or pink
Hardness
3

Birthstone: Gemini

Lucky Charm: Sagittarius

Legend:

Pearls were once thought to be the tears of God. Pearl is often referred to as the "Queen of Gems". The ancient Greeks believed that wearing pearls would promote marital bliss and prevent newlywed women from crying. During the Crusades in the Middle Ages, pearls were the gift of choice for a knight to give to his lady. During the 14th and 15th centuries, royal wedding scenes closely resembled a sea of pearls, with everyone from the bride down to her male guests adorned with impressive arrays of pearl jewelry. In modern times, cultured pearls have graced such 20th century brides as Queen Elizabeth II, the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor.

Occurrence:

Natural Pearls have been harvested from the Red Sea, Gulf of Manaar, and the Persian Gulf. The coasts of Australia and Polynesia produce mostly cultured pearls. Fresh water pearls occur in many rivers in countries such as Austria, France, Scotland, Ireland, India and the USA.