Pearls of Wisdom
Uniquely beautiful, in all colours of the rainbow pearls are as individual as the wearer... here leading experts, Euro Pearls teach you what to look for
Pearls have been prized for their beauty and rarity for more than four thousand years. From ancient China, to Imperial Rome, and all points in between, cultures from around the world and throughout recorded history have valued pearls longer than any other gem.
Pearls are the only gemstones grown inside of a living organism. They are formed within oysters or molluscs when a foreign substance invades the shell of the mollusc and enters the soft tissue. In response to the irritation, the mantle's cells form a sac (known as a pearl sac) which secrete a crystalline substance called nacre (the same substance which makes up the interior of a mollusc's shell) which builds up in layers around the irritation, forming a pearl.
Pearls are unusual and unique - only 20 of approximately 80,000 different species of bi-valve molluscs are capable of consistently producing pearls. Highly prized, pearls have been collected for more than 4000 years - making them the world's oldest gem.
The pearl's beauty has been admired and coveted since time began. As far back as 2300 BC, Chinese records indicate that pearls were the prized possessions of royalty. In ancient Egypt, mother-of-pearl was used for decorative purposes as far back as 4000 BC.
To the Romans, pearls were a highly prized accessory, worn as a symbol of wealth and prestige. They were such a status symbol, that an effort was actually made to prohibit the wearing of these gems of the sea by those not deserving of them.
Caring for Pearls
The natural beauty of a pearl can be everlasting - if care is taken to look after them...
- Put on your pearls after applying makeup and perfume.
- Be sure to take off pearl rings before applying hand and body creams.
- Wipe pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth as soon as you take them off. The cloth can be dampened with water or dry. If damp, allow the pearls to air dry before putting them away.
- Never clean parts with solutions that contain ammonia or harsh detergents.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or rub pearls with an abrasive cloth. Both can wear away the nacre coating, destroying the pearl's beauty.
- Restring pearls regularly.
- Keep pearls on their own - storing with other jewellery will cause damage.
Today pearls are still as desirable as ever. With more choice than ever before, pearls are desired by women of all ages. Choosing cultured pearls used to be easy, they were small and white and the only consideration was how much you wanted to spend. Modern techniques, the variety of molluscs used and the number of farms in different parts of the globe mean that there are many different types of pearls available to create your look. But with all this choice, what should you keep in mind when you select your pearls?
Size
Experts at Euro Pearls have seen pearls that range in size from 2mm to 20mm. Of course these are the extremes but with an extensive stock of more common sizes they can always find something more unusual if that is you heart's desire. The best way to find out what is right is for the pearl lover to visit Baker Brothers' - and try some on.
Colour
Natural colour pearls in white, cream, ivory, gold, black, silver, green, blue, pink and even purple with lots of subtle variations within these colours are available - along with a wide range of treated colours too. Trying on is the key - customers who have pre-conceived ideas are often surprised by what is right for them.
Lustre
The magical glow a pearl has is called lustre and it is the most important aspect of a pearl. Euro Pearls make sure that all their pearls have a good lustre and Baker Brothers' will be happy to show you what they mean.
Shape
There are no hard and fast rules about the correct shape for a pearl: ovals, buttons and baroques can all be as beautiful as the round pearl - the vision that first comes in to the imagination. The shape is down to personal preference - or design - for instance drop pearls are perfectly suited to jewellery. Customers should keep an open mind and choose their pearls based on individual beauty.
Be Adventurous
Half the fun of buying is trying! Trying many different looks and colours is the only way of making the right choice. Euro Pearls have a great range of pearls and pearl jewellery at Baker Brothers' - to suit every ideal.
Trust Your Eyes
A pearl dealer was heard to tell a customer to 'choose the pearls that smile at you' and Euro Pearls say they couldn't put it any better themselves. The right pearls for you will definitely give you a wink and let you know.
Trust Us
We have many years of experience selecting and selling fine jewellery and have a long partnership with experts who only choose pearls that they are happy to put their name to. This should give customers confidence that every pearl they are shown is a good pearl and we are happy to tell you why.
Oh, we have one last piece of advice. Choosing jewellery should be enjoyable and fun, come and see us, try lots on and be happy that you have found your perfect pearls.
Famous Pearls
The Abernathy Pearl
This 44-grain, natural freshwater pearls, is the most perfect pearl ever found in the rivers of Scotland.
Discovered in the River Tay in 1967, it was displayed for nearly 30 years in a jewellery store in Cairncross until it was sold for an undisclosed sum in 1992.
The Big Pink Pearl
Valued in 1991 at $4.7 million US dollars, the Big Pink pearl is believed to be the largest natural abalone pearl ever found. This baroque gem weighs a full 470 carats.
The Gogibus Pearl
This pear-shaped pearl was the largest known pearl discovered during the early 17th Century off the coast of the West Indies. The gem weighs a hefty 126 carats. It is said that King Philip IV purchased this pearl from a merchant named Gogibus who wore the pearl as a button is his cap in 1620.
The Hope Pearl
Most likely the largest and most famous natural saltwater pearl ever discovered, the Hope Pearl, is an astonishing gem. The pearl weighs 1,800 grains (450 carats), or approximately 4 ounces! Currently residing in the British Museum of Natural History, the Hope Pearl was once owned by Henry Philip Hope, the one-time owner of the Hope Diamond.
La Peregrina
Found off the coast of Panama and weighing 203.8 grains, La Peregrina was celebrated not only for its great size, but also its perfect pear shape, and bright white colouration. It was presented by King Phillip II of Spain to his new bride, Queen Mary of Spain.
In 1969, La Peregrina was purchased by actor Richard Burton for a mere $37,000, as a gift for his wife, Elizabeth Taylor who owns La Peregrina to this day.
Sources: www.thepearlguide.com, co-founder Kevin Canning www.pearlsofjoy.com
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