Pearls Archives

Famous Birthstone: Pearl – La Peregrina

June 1, 2015

Many of us share a timeless attraction to pearls— it’s a deep admiration that extends across cultures and continents. Maybe it’s because pearls are associated with water, a fundamental element of life. Or maybe it’s because this June birthstone comes from a living thing. Natural pearls are highly sought after due to their rarity. For those who prefer cultured pearls, you’re in luck: cultured freshwater and saltwater pearls are widely available, and in so many colors and shapes that there are pearls to suit a variety of tastes. (more…)

GIA Holiday Shopping Guide: How to Buy Pearls 101

December 11, 2014

Captivated by pearls? You’re certainly in good company. A favorite of legendary women including Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth, these beautiful spheres are the only precious gems made from a living creature – the mollusk. (more…)

History of Cultured Pearls, Part Two: The South Seas and Tahiti

July 28, 2014

In the past century, pearls have gone from some of the most expensive and rarest objects to jewelry that many of us can afford.

How this happened and what the future holds is a fascinating story. In part one of our series on cultured pearls we discussed how three Japanese men created techniques to produce the first akoya cultured pearls, which gave birth to the modern cultured pearl industry. Today, we dive into South Sea cultured pearls, Tahitian cultured pearls, and the rise of China as a leading cultured pearl producer.

Ready to set sail and learn about these treasures? (more…)

History of Cultured Pearls – Part 1

June 30, 2014

Before the development of cultured pearls, only natural pearls were available – and their value was astronomical.

“I’m going to have the most expensive dinner in history,” Cleopatra supposedly boasted to Marc Anthony. She then dissolved a large natural pearl in a goblet of wine and drank it. Then there was the Roman general, Vitellius (15 A.D.-69 A.D.), who sold a natural pearl from one of his mother’s earrings to cover the expenses of a military campaign. (more…)

Meet the Mollusks

June 23, 2014

A strand of pearls is one of the most glamorous pieces of jewelry a woman can wear, yet these lustrous beauties have humble origins.

Pearls are produced by mollusks – soft-bodied saltwater or freshwater animals possessing one (univalve) or two (bivalve) shells. Mollusks are invertebrates meaning they lack a spine or vertebrae. Scientists estimate there are over 100,000 different species of mollusks in the world’s waters. However, only a few dozen of these species produce pearls and only about half of them are used to produce cultured pearls. (more…)

Pearl Buying Guide

June 1, 2014

Perhaps the most popular gem of all time, June’s birthstone–the pearl–is as versatile as they come. Considered by many to be a staple of every woman’s wardrobe, the pearl is quite likely the earliest gem used for adornment. Our early ancestors foraged seashores and riverbeds collecting mother of pearl shells for ceremony and exchange – and when the rare pearl was found, it became a sacred possession. (more…)

The Fascinating Faceted Cultured Pearl

May 22, 2014

The pearl has been shrouded in myth and mystery since antiquity.

The ancient Romans imagined they were the tears of gods and angels. The ancient Chinese thought they offered protection from fire-breathing dragons. And Europeans believed they symbolized modesty, chastity, and purity. (more…)

Discover the Powers of Your Birthstone

September 18, 2013

Think of every passing year as an opportunity to celebrate with your birthstone. In fact, people have been wearing birthstone jewelry since the 15^th century in Poland, when they were encouraged to own all 12. And while birthstone secrets and lore can be found right here on our blog, today we share what makes YOUR birthstone a powerful statement of your finest qualities. (more…)

Caring for June’s Birthstone: Pearls Part 4

June 11, 2013

The legendary beauty of June’s luminescent birthstone has been celebrated for centuries. We explored the pearl’s history and lore, the various types of pearls available, and how a pearl’s value is assessed and what to look for when purchasing a pearl. Now we are going to discuss how to care for one! (more…)

7 Factors Describe June’s Birthstone: Pearls Part 3

June 6, 2013

Celebrated for its mesmerizing beauty, the Grace Kelly of gems is June’s elegant birthstone–the pearl. We previously discussed the pearl’s history and lore, and the different types of pearls. Now let’s delve into how a pearl’s value is assessed, and what to look for when purchasing a pearl. (more…)

The Varieties of June’s Birthstone: Pearls Part 2

June 4, 2013

June’s lustrous birthstone is celebrated around the globe for its compelling beauty. Earlier this week we discussed the source and history of the pearl. Today we’ll be diving into the various types of pearls. (more…)

The History & Lore of June’s Birthstone: Pearls Part 1

June 1, 2013

The luminous pearl is June’s coveted birthstone. This enchanting treasure originating from the sea is a timeless wardrobe staple, beloved by fashion icons including Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel. In this four-part series, we’ll be (1) sharing the source and history of pearls, (2) exploring different pearl varieties, (3) assessing factors behind pearl value, and (4) learning about how to care for your pearls. (more…)

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