Introduction
There is a fundamental difference between pearls and other gemstones. All other gemstones like diamonds are mineral substances, and mined from places like rocks. Pearls on the other hand are more organic in nature, and generated by living things like mollusks, oysters, clams and mussels.
Pearls form out of secretions that the oysters generate to protect their insides. This happens when an irritant like a grain of sand enters the shell of the oysters. The secretion produced by the oyster hardens in about two or three years to form a pearl.
Varieties of Pearl
One type is the ‘natural’ or South Sea pearl, generated by mollusks. These mollusks are harvested from the ocean. Once in a while, these give pearls of darker shades, called black pearls. This variety is very expensive by virtue of their being rare.
There are also freshwater pearls, found in rivers and freshwater lakes. Freshwater pearls are made by mussels. Mussels can grow many pearls of different sizes and shapes simultaneously. The number of pearls a mussel grows at one time can go up to 40 or 50.
Then there are the cultured and artificial pearls. There is a difference between these two. Cultured pearls are still original pearls. The only difference is that here, irritants are introduced deliberately into the oysters. This is because it can be a long and tedious process to identify oysters that have irritants got into them the natural way.
The longer you allow the pearl to stay inside the oyster, the larger it grows because of the secretion continuing. Good quality pearls can be pretty expensive.
On the other hand, artificial or man-made pearls are made using a fish-based substance called hermage . This substance acts as a substitute for oyster’s secretions. It is coated over a tiny quantity of sand to form artificial pearls. Glass pearl, a bead painted with hermage is another variety of artificial pearls. These pearls are cheap and have no aesthetic value.
Research Your Pearls
Pearls have been held invaluable from time immemorial for their elegance and air of romance. Pearls are always part of a discerning woman’s wardrobe. Pearls go with virtually everything- from bridal jewelry through formal work wear to casual chic. However there is a large variety out there- pearls of different sizes, shapes, hues and origins. With some research, you can find pearls that suit your needs and budget. Chances are that you’ll find it well worth the effort.
They say diamonds are forever- well, pearls are for everyone!
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