Pearls are organic gems they are created when an oyster secreates a foreign object with beautiful layers of nacre. Years ago pearls were not only rare but were even used as important financial assets, because finding a pearl meant discovering one that had been created by chance rare indeed.
Today pearls are mainly cultured by man, by placing a small shell bead inside an oyster, that oyster is then returned to the water. When the oyster is once again removed from the water it has covered the shell bead with many layers of nacre, creating a pearl. Freshwater pearls are cultured in mussels mainly in China. Most cultured pearls are produced in Japan.
Larger oysters produce South Sea cultured pearls and Tahitian black cultured pearls which are larger in size and are found in the warmer waters of the South Pacific.
Pearls should not come into contact with harsh detergents and cleaning agents, and make-up, hairspray and perfume should not be sprayed onto them, as they can dull pearls luster. That is why it is often said that pearls should be the last item to be put on before going out but the first to be taken off when coming back in. Pearls are the birthstone for June.
One last thing - have you ever noticed that women wearing pearls seem to have a special "air about them" I'm only saying!!! |
