Pearl

Ancient Arabian story suggest that it was formed when droplets of dew filled the moonlight, fell into the deepest part of the ocean and then accidentally swallowed by oysters. This is only one legend that surrounds its origin, although it is purely fictional but it can somehow be a metaphor representation of one of the most precious gem from the ocean – the pearl.

Pearls are gems in its organic form. Natural ones are 100 percent nacre. It is made when a couple of microscopic foreign objects enter the oyster by mistake and leaves to settle within its shell. The oyster being aggravated by the intruder then secretes a substance of pearl called nacre to wrap and bind the irritant. This course is relatively slow that it takes years and years of repeated process before it produces the pearl. They are regarded very rare because they are only produced by chance.

Pearls have long been a representation of financial advantage because thousands of oysters are deemed to be searched just to look for a single piece. Long ago, they were prized unbelievably and was said to be comparable to the price of a real estate. Top quality pearls can make matchless pearl jewelry which is very rare. The current value of pearls is just about the same as the other precious gems depending on the size and quality, sometimes even more expensive. Natural pearls have even become much rarer because innumerable mollusks are used to produce cultured pearls. So, finding one may just be a Herculean task.

Since natural-made ones are really that rare, human find ways to hasten and control the production of pearls which are referred to as culturing. Cultured pearls are made by placing beads inside the shell and then the oysters are returned back to the water under controlled conditions. Just like the natural process, the planted beads are then covered by nacre and layers of it over time and then later harvested. A huge number of pearl culturing farm are based in Japan, especially in warmer regions in the South Pacific.

There are innumerable types of pearls, but one of the most exquisite and the most talked about is the cultured black pearls which are commonly referred to as the Tahitian black pearls which are a bit larger in size compared to the ordinary ones. This type may be one of the most highly priced due to its rarity and its disability to be mass produced.

The quality of a particular pearl is judged by its orient, which is a subtle iridescence caused by the natural refraction of light to the countless layers of nacre. It can also be appraised by its luster and surface shine. Fine, top quality pearls do not have any spots or flaws in its entire surface. It should be smooth in texture; the shape, color, and size are also aspects that are considered in determining the value of the pearls.

Due to its rarity and the entire time that it takes to make one is relatively long, a wide array of fake pearls are mass produced. But natural and cultured pearls can easily be distinguished from the fake ones in one easy test. Just rub the pearl gently against one of your teeth. Cultured and natural pearls will feel a little bit rough just like rubbing a sand paper. It is due to the natural texture of authentic nacre. Imitations and synthetic ones will feel smooth because its surface of just painted or molded with smoothening bead.

Pearls can be a traditional present for brides, and June is the month of wedding that’s why they became the established birth stone for all individuals born in the month of June. Pearls are not only mere items of luxury, they are also known to possess life-giving powers no to mention to restore youth!