Today in June, I am observing an elegant birthstone, The Pearl.
The world Pearl derived from a French word, Perle meaning led. It refers to leg shape of a mollusk shell where Pearls are formed in both saltwater and freshwater. The only gems found within living creatures, a mollusk will form a pearl from an individual grain of sand. These days, the majority of pearls in the market are artificially insertion sand into the mollusks shell and then cultivated or cultured in a pearl farm.
Pearls are chosen based on 7 factors to determine its quality; size, shape, color, lustre, surface quality, nacre quality and matching (of 2 pearls for earing or matching on a strand). Out of these 7, lustre perhaps is the most important; pick a good or excellent lustre with a sharp and light reflections.
The choices of pearl in the market varies from freshwater, akoya, tahitian and south sea pearl. Each of them carries different color, looks and effect from one person to another. The beautiful colors of pearls are shades of white, pink, lavender (freshwater pearl), white, cream, silver (akoya pearl), grey, peacock, pistachio, purple (tahitian pearl) and white or golden (south sea pearl).
The akoya pearl is a saltwater cultured pearl from the akoya oyster (Pinctada Fucata Oyster). Currently farmed in Japan mostly, it also being farmed in China, Vietnam and Australia. However, we are always advised to look for akoya pearl farmed in Japan. These pearls are harvested in the colder months from December to March and produce pearl with the highest thickness of nacre. The highest quality of akoya pearl grow up in the ocean up to 2 years to allow sufficient time for the pearl to form thick nacre and wonderful luster.
Akoya is considered to be the classic pearl because of its perfect round shapes, incredibly bright and high luster and neutral colors. Akoya pearl unless color treated, have neutral colors and overtones. Occasionally they come in blue with silver and pink overtones, but these colors are extremely rare.
Pearls create a feel of tenderness and sensuality that is truly special. Wearing pearls symbolizes pure heart, virtue, fertility, modesty, love and cycles of life. Hence the reason why pearls have a long history of close connection with love and marriage in many cultures. In ancient Greek legends, pearls are described as the tears of gods.
Whether modern and edgy, minimal and sleek, feminine and romantic or inspired by a mix of periods, pearls are definitely witnessing a revival. In 1920s, Coco Chanel made akoya pearl strands a must have accessory for debutantes and socialites throughout Europe. In 1960s, Jackie Onassis made pearl synonymous with sophistication and class. In the 1980s, Princess Diana's love for pearl turned pearls into a beloved jewel in every woman's wardrobe. Until today, brands like Assael, Mikimoto, Wifredo Rosado, Ananya, Picchiotti, Fernando Jorge, design unique and stunning pearl jewellery that evokes so much emotion and everlasting elegance.
Known not only as embodiment of class and sophistication, if chosen correctly from variety of colors available for pearls, it adds an immediate glow and can be immensely flattering to your complexion.