Commonly know as the birthstone for June and traditionally given as a wedding gift, the enchanting pearl is a timeless piece, beloved by women of all ages!
Originating in oceans, lakes, and rivers, the pearl is a purely organic gem that grows naturally inside the tissue of a living mollusk (oyster or mussel). The formation of the pearl begins when a piece of sand or foreign parasite invades the mollusk’s shell. As a defence mechanism, the mollusk secretes a liquid substance called nacre around the irritant, which eventually hardens to form a shiny pearl.
Cultured pearls are created when a human/technician surgically implants a piece of mantle tissue into a host mollusk. The culturing process can take a minimum of three years, ensuring enough time for the nacre to harden and deposit to create a beautiful, gem-quality pearl.
For thousands of years, pearls have been associated with weath and status and treasured by many since 2206 BC. Today, pearls are still adored by women of all ages and embody the mystery, power and life-sustaining nature of water.
CARING FOR YOUR PEARLS
Pearls are one of the softest gems and should be handled with special care. We recommend storing them separately from other jewellery to prevent bumping and scratching. Pearls should not be kept in a plastic bag, as plastic emits a chemical that can damage the surface of the pearl. Try to remember to apply perfume, sunscreen and cosmetics before putting on your pearl jewellery.
To clean your pearls, we offer a mild cleaning product called “Pearl Clean”. We also recommend using a soft damp cloth to clean your pearls frequently.
Visit the link below to learn more about the history of pearls and pearl treatments!
https://www.gia.edu/pearl
