What is a Pearl?

Everyone is head over heels for the humble enchantress; the pearl, for her undeniable grace and rare beauty. So, this article is all about that pearl. The mystique of these unique gemstones comes from many characteristics that are significant to them, resulting in the high demand despite the rarity and the indisputable financial, cultural, sentimental, and symbolic value attributed to them. As your reputed pearly jewelry shop, it is the responsibility of  CTC Jewelry to help you understand this gem and empower you with informed choices.

Pearls are a natural product of animals that fall under mollusks, such as species of oysters, mussels, and clams. They can be found in both freshwater and saltwater, which combines with the type of animal produced and has an influence on the gem's appearance and value. On top of the market value, they hold rich symbolic meanings and cultural affiliations, which tenfolds the love and appreciation. In this article, we will dive deep into the blue waters for this wonderfully beautiful gem of nature to understand its true magnificence.

Understanding the Formation of Pearls

These mesmerizing gemstones are alluring to the point that they look like they are made out of this world, but they are miraculously a product of Mother Nature. Pearls can be formed in two main manners: completely naturally and, secondly, through human-intervened culturing. Both processes result in high-value gems that have no significant differences in the final product you see on the market.

• Formation in Nature 

Their formation in nature begins when a foreign agent, such as a grain of sand, enters the mollusk. The oyster or the mussel will release protective liquids to cover the foreign irritant and protect itself from any potential harm. This protective liquid called “nacre,” when secreted repeatedly, solidifies around the irritant in layers, resulting in the spherical gem, which has an exceptional gloss found in no other gemstone. Depending on the size of the oyster or the host animal, it can take anywhere from six months to a few years to produce this marvelous ivory gem.

• Formation in Culturing

Cultured pearls are made similarly to the natural process, but with human intervention in a couple of steps. The insertion of the foreign object into the oyster is done by the farmer, who then releases the oyster back into the water. After about two years, through the natural process, the gem will be formed and ready to be received by the farmer. Farmers are leaning towards organic foreign agents such as a small grain made by a sea animal husk to reduce harmful effects to the host animal. To ensure and implement ethical practices in farming, oysters are released back into the ocean at the end of cycles.

Types of Pearls: The Different Varieties in the Market.

These sparkly spheric gems can be categorized mainly as saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls. However, different categorizations can be present depending on the formation process. where they come from, and their different significant characteristics.

• Natural.

As you now know, these ones are made completely by Mother Nature without the disturbances of human beings. Natural pearls are very hard to come by as they are rare and can take years to form, which makes the process somewhat unpredictable. You can recognize natural ones from the small imperfections, such as ridges they have on the surface. Despite that, natural gems are adored all around the world since many people also find them romantic and sentimental, even though they are extremely scarce.

• Cultured.

Cultured gems tend to be more uniform and smoother in shape and surface of the gem. Because of farming, cultured pearls are more available compared to natural ones, making them more affordable. Cultured ones also tend to have a nacre layer that is a little less thick than natural ones due to the difference in the formation process. However, the quality and durability will remain the same whether this wonderful water gem is cultured or found naturally, which makes them the perfect inclusion to your everyday jewelry.

• Imitation.

Compared to cultured and natural ones, imitations are faux pearls that are made out of easily accessible materials such as plastic, alabaster, glass, or even shells. Due to this reason, imitation ones are one of the cheapest types of gems, if you don't care much for the real deal. However, imitation ones tend to have low durability and are highly susceptible to wear and tear damage as well. You can tell these apart from the real ones as faux ones tend to have a dull or cloudy shine on the surface.

Moreover, there are different types of these lustrous drops of the earth depending on what type of host animal they are formed in. Most of which are named after the host animal.

• Akoya: these are what many people will picture in their mind when they hear the word pearls. With their signature ivory sheen, these gems are used in mainly bridal wear to elevate the white-on-white look.
• Melo Melo: This rare water gem tends to be on the smaller side, although it brings a memorable beauty with a sparkle. Typically, found in warm colors such as brown, orange, tan, and beige.
• Tahitian: As the ultimate modern-day gem Tahitian pearls are sought after for their exotic, bold look. Often coming in darker hues than other gems, these tend to be larger in size and have a luminous and luscious overtone of greens, blues, cherry, or purple.

The Value of Pearls: what are the determining factors to consider?

• Size, Shape, and Luster.

These glossy gems come in different sizes from 3 mm to 18 mm, depending on what kind of environment they are formed in and the size of the host animal. Typically, larger sizes are sold for higher prices than smaller ones as they add value. Shapes can vary from perfectly circular to slightly uneven globes or baroque. The perfect spherical shape is valued more; however, the baroque shape is also adored for its unique appearance. Additionally the higher the luster, the higher the value these gems carry.

• Origin and Rarity.

Of course, similar to other gemstones like sapphire, emerald, and precious metals such as gold, the rarity of a pearl can be a deciding factor in how much it is valued in the market. The rarity can be caused by a reason such as climate change, which triggers less-than-ideal environmental conditions for these striking gems to mature and form inside host animals. Origins can be influential in the value placed as well. For example, South Sea and Tahitian gems can be priced higher due to their unique characteristics.

• Grading Systems.

Most farmers and jewelers use the A-AAA grading system which was originally adopted from the Japanese traditional grading for precious gems. In this value-determining scale, there are a variety of factors such as the lusters, size, thickness of the nacre layer, shape, color, and surface quality, which decide if a gem is at a certain grade in the system. The highest grade starts at AAA or A, then followed by AA+ or B grade, AA or C grade, and the lowest being A grade. The more desirable the determining factors are in a gem, the higher the grade it will receive.

Best Practices for Maintenance.

The necessity for proper and consistent care and maintenance of pearls cannot be overemphasized, as it will play a huge role in their durability and versatility.

Daily Care Tips.

• Wear them as often as you can since keeping them in storage for a long time can decrease their shine.
• Remove them if you are going into the shower, swimming, or working out, as they can cause damage in the long term.
• Avoid direct contact with solutions such as perfume, hair products, or makeup sprays to protect the surface.

Cleaning and Preservation.

• Stay away from harsh chemicals and harsh soaps when cleaning.
• Simply use clean room temperature water and a mild soap to gently pat wash them.
• Do not submerge your jewelry in water.
• Do not use tools such as brushes to clean them; you can use a soft towel instead.

Storage.

• Do not use air-tight storage options like containers as pearls need moisture to thrive.
• Store away from other jewelry you have to avoid damage.
• Wrap them in a soft cloth or a pouch to keep them safe.
• If the storage space is dry and hot, keep a damp cloth nearby to increase moisture in the air.

The Timeless Appeal of Pearl Jewelry

When talking about classy and elegant wear, pearl jewelry cannot be ignored. This is why it has been such a showstopper throughout a time when numerous trends have come and gone. This jewelry has that captivating quality that combines undying sophistication with a sense of serenity which makes it perfect for all occasions. You can find rings, bracelets, chains, earrings, pendants, and anklets made using this humble gem.

Embracing the Elegance of Pearls.

As we have dived deeper and deeper into the pearly waters to uncover their origins, which makes them special, and learn about how they come to be the lustrous drops of marvel in your hand, it is worth taking a second to simply appreciate their everlasting beauty.

While different factors like the size, shape, luster, and color impact the value they hold, you will find that the true value of pearls comes from how empowering and alluring they can make you feel. With this, we invite you to step into the shores of pearl jewelry and explore how you can best express yourself through these blissful gems of the earth.