Pearls – Gemstone of the Month

 

Pearl gemstones have been around for centuries. They have always been known to be associated with wealth and luxury, but their beauty has never diminished over time. They boast a delicate luster that is sure to make you fall in love all over again!

 

Read on to learn about what pearls mean, their incredible history, how to best care for your pearls, what type of things you should look out for when purchasing new pearl jewelry, and how you can wear them today!

 

We hope that by reading this blog post, you will learn more about the beauty that is our gemstone of the month.

Let's Talk About PEARLS Baby!

 

Pearls are so much more than a gemstone of the month for June. These shiny jewels come from oysters, ( you heard right, from inside the oyster shell!) which create nacre to protect themselves against infections and parasites. The process takes anywhere from two to three years before it becomes a perfect pearl on your hand.

 

The History of Pearls

 

The word pearl comes from the Latin word "perle," which means "a hard concretion found within the shell of certain mollusks and consisting essentially of a nucleus of mother-of-pearl surrounded by layers or laminae of nacre."

 

One of nature's greatest miracles, the "Queen of Gems," has been coveted for centuries. The pearl is officially the world's oldest gem, as it has been revered since long before written history. Due to this, the discovery of pearl jewelry cannot be attributed to one person in particular, but it is believed that pearls were first discovered as people searched for food along the seashore.

 

Thanks to a fragment of pearl jewelry found in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess that dates back to 420 BC, we know that they were worn as a form of adornment for millennia. Interestingly enough, you can see a display of this at the Louvre in Paris, France.

 

Back in 2300 BC, pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese royalty. However, in ancient Rome, pearl jewelry was considered to be the ultimate status symbol. In addition to this, the abundance of natural oyster beds in Persia meant that pearls also carried great importance in Arab cultures. Legend states that they were formed from dewdrops that oysters swallowed as they fell into the sea.

 

There is no gemstone quite like pearls - they have been treasured for centuries because they are rare, timeless, and beautiful. With such a long and ancient history, it is no wonder that, over time, the pearl became shrouded in myth and legend.

 

How Are Pearls Formed?

 

Pearls are beautiful and timeless, but it can be challenging to know which pearl is the right one for you. There are three different types of pearls:

• Natural Pearls (which occur naturally).
• Cultured Pearls (created by an oyster or clam with a piece inside them that irritates their shell).
• Imitation pearlescence made out of plastic beads.

 

Depending on the source, pearls can be found in salt or freshwater. Saltwater pearls often have higher quality due to their availability in various shapes that range from round or oval-shaped with high luster. On the other hand, freshwater pearls typically lie irregularly shaped, with a puffed rice appearance being among the more prevalent forms seen today.

 

Due to the rarity of pearls and their natural formation process taking up to several years before completion, patience is key when it comes down to acquiring one for oneself.

 

The Meaning Behind the Pearl

 

Pearls are believed to bring protection and good luck. In ancient times, pearls were found in oysters, and they were thought to be tears shed by mermaids for sailors who drowned at sea.

 

Pearls are gemstones that represent the moon, and so they have a connection to feminine energy. The pearl is also the gemstone of the month in June because it was traditionally believed to be formed during this time. Pearls come in different colors, including white with gold undertones, gray-white with silver undertones, rose pink, and black pearls. All these various hues of pearls make them a versatile accessory for any woman's wardrobe or jewelry collection.

 

How to Best Care for Your Pearls

 

As time passes, pearl gemstones can become damaged due to wear on their surface or contact with chemicals that contain acids. Therefore, to keep your pearl jewelry looking new for years to come, it is essential to take care not only while wearing them, but also while storing them away when you're not using them.

 

Let's take a closer look at how to clean pearl gemstones, without ruining them:

 

• To prevent the buildup of oils and substances, ensure you wipe your pearls with a soft cloth.

 

• A pearl's smooth surface is its most vulnerable area and can be stained as easily. If your pearl jewelry is visibly soiled - mix a solution of lukewarm water with mild dish soap. Dip a soft cloth into it and give it a gentle wipe.

 

• Ensure you let your pearls dry all the way through before you store them away.

 

How You Can Wear Pearls Today

 

Pearls are one of the most expensive gems available today. They have long symbolized nobility, sophistication, wealth, so naturally, you would assume these beauties should only accompany fancy suits or evening gowns...but what if we told you there's no specific dress code?

 

That's right; you can amp up pretty much any outfit with pearls. Whether it's working with clothing layers and adding in adjustable chain pearls, or wearing them as a ring as you pair them with sterling silver, you can turn heads any day of the week.

 

Color your world with elegance and style. Check out our glamorous Pearl Sterling Silver Earrings, Natural Blue Larimar with Blue Topaz and Pearl Necklace, or the Aanya Larimar Pear Pendant -amongst a world of other beautiful pearl jewelry right here at Sitara Collections.