Pearl
Pearls are formed inside the shells of oysters, but natural pearls are rare.
Most pearls today are cultured pearls meaning they are grown in labs. A tiny bead is implanted in an oyster,
so that it is gradually coated in layers of a beautiful, iridescent substance
called nacre
which build up to create a lustrous pearl.
The general color of a pearl is also called the body color. Typical pearl
colors are white, cream, yellow, pink, silver, or black. A pearl can also have a
hint of secondary color, or overtone, which is seen when light reflects off the
pearl surface. For example, a pearl strand may appear white, but when examined
more closely, a pink overtone
may become apparent.
Pearls produce an intense, deep shine called luster.
This effect is created when light reflects off the many layers of tiny calcium
carbonate crystals that compose the pearl. This substance is called nacre. When
selecting a pearl, consider that the larger the pearl, the more nacre it has, so
it will also exhibit even more luster. Compare a 5mm Freshwater cultured pearl
with a 10mm South Sea cultured pearl and the difference in the amount of nacre
is obvious. The difference in luster is as clearly visible as the difference in
the pearl sizes.
As an oyster creates a pearl, the layers of nacre do not
always adhere smoothly. Sometimes spots and bubbles can appear in the layering
process. Pearls with the smoothest surfaces are the highest-quality, most
sought-after pearls.
The size of the pearl greatly depends on the type of pearl. Freshwater pearls
range in size from about 3.0–7.0mm, Akoya pearls range from about 6.0–8.5mm,
and South Sea and Tahitian pearls can reach sizes as large as 13mm.
Magic & Myth
Historically symbolic of purity, innocence and faith, pearls enhance personal
integrity and help clear the mind so that it can be a clean channel for wisdom
and spiritual guidance. These Moon and water ruled "gems" enhance
sincerity, truth and loyalty and bring calming reflection and inner peace.
Pearls have long been used medicinally. They were thought to cure everything
from fevers to stomach ulcers.
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