 A
pearl is unique, it is the only gemstone to be created from
a living creature.
Pearls are characterised by
their translucence and lustre and by a delicate play of surface
colour. The most perfect shapes are round, or tear drop and
their value increases with their size and lustre.
How a Pearl
is formed
 Pearls
are formed when a foreign particle penetrates the body of
a mollusk. The particle acts as an irritant, in order
to protect itself, the mollusc coats the object in concentric
layers of nacre, a natural substance commonly called mother-of-pearl.
Only mollusks capable of producing mother-of-pearl are able
to create a quality pearl,
most notable examples being freshwater clams and saltwater
oysters. Irregular shaped pearls are referred to as Baroque
and Blister pearls.
Colour
The colour of a pearls is dependant
upon the type of mollusc and the environment in which it grows.
Pearls range from black to white, the most prized is the Indian
Rose Pearl. Other colours include cream, grey, blue, yellow,
lavender, green, mauve, champagne.
Size
 One
easy way to check if a pearl is genuine is to gently rub one
against the teeth, only a real pearl will feel rough to the
touch. Pearls are weighed by carats (1 pearl grain = 50 milligrams
= 1/4 carat) and those weighing less than 1/4 grain are called
seed pearls. The largest naturally occurring pearls are the
baroque pearls; one such pearl is known to have weighed 1,860
grains.
Types
of Pearl
Natural
Pearls
Are born by chance when a
foreign particle squeezes into the shell of an oyster, far
below the surface of the sea. The irritated oyster tries
to rid itself of the intruder, and when it can't, it coats
the foreign object with layer upon layer of a smooth, hard
substance called nacre. Gradually over the years this tiny
'bead' grows and is formed into an iridescent and lustrous
pearl.
Cultured
Pearls
Are created by man, the oyster
shell is opened with and an irritant (usually a Mother of
pearl bead) is placed inside to encourage the oyster to
produce its precious nacre. Then it's up to mother nature
and time to produce the pearl. The most popular Cultured
Pearls are Freshwater, Japanese Akoya and South Sea Pearls.
Imitation
Pearls
Are made of glass, wax and/or
fish scale. They are not created by a mollusc. Despite
advanced techniques, these copies never capture the beauty
and deep seated lustre of Natural and Cultivated Pearls.
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