The Buddha called love he drop of honey at the edge of the razor blade??sweet stuff if you can just get to it. I tis a paradox that could equally apply to the quest throughout history for arguably the most prized of all gems ?the pearl.In ancient times, pearls were believed to be gifts from the gods, transformed from drops of dew. Throughout history they have captivated the imagination like no other gem. Their beauty is celebrated in ancient texts, kingdoms have been wagered for their prestige and empires obsessed with their rare allure.In this section, we invite you to immerse yourself in pearls – the legends and myths, their extraordinary place in history and their ethereal appeal – an appeal which remains as powerful today as it was when pearl divers first risked the dangers of the deep.Pearls In Ancient HistoryPearls have been prized for thousands of years. Their mysterious beauty is matched by the mystery of their provenance in ancient times. As pearls were traded through trade routes of the ancient world now lost in the mists of time, the origins of some of the most important pearls in history remain uncertain. What is certain, however, is that the most prized of all pearls were oceanic pearls.Unlike freshwater pearls, oceanic (saltwater) pearls have properties from the sea that preserve their beauty for generations. Freshwater pearls tend to become chalky or milky over a relatively short time. And unlike their freshwater cousins, oceanic pearls are valued for their regular shape and superior size. But the factor in history that made oceanic pearls the most valued of all was their rarity. Early pearl fishers risked the many dangers of the deep to dive for the precious gems.Today, wars may no longer be waged over pearl beds, but just as in ancient times, divers still face the perils of the deep in the quest for the perfect pearl.Throughout history, the rarity and ethereal beauty of pearls has given rise to many myths and legends. In ancient times, Indians believed that pearls were created by a divine power that transformed drops of dew. In Persian mythology, pearls are created from the tears of the gods while another Persian name for pearls is hildren of light? revering the pearl as gifts from the gods. The Chinese believed that pearls were created by the power of moonlight.As trading routes opened from the lands where pearls originated, the ancient legends also spread around the world. The Greeks adopted the legends of the Orient, believing that pearls were created from the dew of the moon, captured by the oysters swimming on the surface of the sea by night. They also believed that a lightning strike at night would create a pearl. Both the Greeks and later the Romans ascribed the Goddess of Love – Aphrodite or Venus – with the creation of the pearl.In China, where pearl oysters have been gathered for thousands of years in freshwater rivers and the southern coasts, the character for ‘pearl’ appears for the first time in a dictionary written in 1000 BC.The Old Testament of the Bible, the Talmud, the Koran and the Indian epic Mahabharata all praise the purity and perfect beauty of pearls.Since ancient times, three pearl regions of the Orient have been famed for their fertility:- the Gulf of Mannar (between Ceylon and South India- the Persian Gulf- the Red SeaTHE GULF OF MANNARThe pearl beds of the Gulf of Mannar are mentioned in written records as early as the 6th century BC. For centuries, royal houses and warlords from India, Persia and Arabia fought to rule over the pearl beds and their prestigious bounty. On his extraordinary journeys of discovery, Marco Polo visited the Gulf in 1294, when up to 500 ships and boats would come at harvest season, carrying divers, merchants and adventurers, all in search of their fortune. Their levy was one tenth of their catch, payable to the king.In 1510 when the Portuguese conquered the region, a new era of European colonisation began. The Portuguese were followed by the Dutch and, finally, in the late 18th century, India was claimed by the British Empire.THE PERSIAN GULFUntil the discovery of oil and right into the 20th century, pearls were the main source of income for the entire gulf region for centuries. As recently as 1938, around 20% of the region’s population earned their livelihood through pearls.The pearl beds of the Gulf were renowned throughout the ancient world and remained in the hands of Arabian and Persian princes until the sixteenth century when the Portuguese took control of the most important harbours.Their rule lasted for a century before the Persians regained control. Pearls were traded mostly in the markets of Bahrain and Hormuz before the treasures were shipped by Indian merchants to the major pearl markets of Bombay.Unlike South Sea pearls, the pearls from Persian Gulf oysters were tiny, generally from 2mm to 5mm in size, but sometimes reaching 10mm. They were often yellowish or brownish in colour. As the Gulf was a major source of pearls in the ancient world it is easy to understand why South Sea pearls when they occasionally emerged through ancient trade routes became so highly prized.THE RED SEAThe third of the major pearl beds of the ancient world was famed for its pearls long before the birth of Christ. As early as the second millennium BC, the seafaring Phoenicians were trading as far away as India and first brought pearls home to the Mediterranean. The Greeks were captivated by the gems, adorning both the statues of their deities and themselves with the jewels.The campaigns of Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) opened trade routes between the known world and the orient, and the pearl trade flourished. With the unprecedented expansion of the Roman Empire, the pearl beds of the Red Sea came under the control of the Romans after the fall of Alexandria in 30 BC. The Romans developed what can only be described as an obsession for pearls and during the 500 years of their empire, more pearls were traded and hoarded than in any other period of world history.Perhaps the most famous pearls of antiquity were a pair of jewels worn in the ears of Cleopatra, each said to be as valuable as the province of Asia. To impress Marc Anthony with her wealth and power, she is said to have dissolved one of the pearls in a glass of wine before drinking it. Octavian, the future Emperor Augustus is believed to have plundered the second after defeating Cleopatra, cutting it in half to embellish a statue in the temple of Venus.Julius Caesar issued pearl decrees allowing only for patrician ladies to wear pearls.The notorious Roman Emperor Caligula wore shoes embroidered with pearls and bedecked his pets and horses with ropes of the precious gems.Nero carried a pearl sceptre and had the interior of his litter lined with pearls.Over 500 years the expansion of the Roman Empire continued to open trade routes to the east with pearls being one of the most highly valued commodities. It is said that the Romans traded so much gold for pearls that their trade balance was badly affected.Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the fashion for pearls declined over the centuries. Roman riches were keenly plundered and hoarded by Goths and Vandals, with many treasures later turning up under the Franks who promoted the influence of the Christian Holy Church.Through to the Middle Ages, the greatest pearl treasures were seen in religious art and iconry or owned by the Byzantine emperors.Through a period of unrest and economic decline that preceded the Middle Ages, the people of Europe were filled with apocalyptic fear and the custom of donating their worldly possessions to the Church reached its peak. Many pearls were surrendered in the hope of divine salvation.It was not until the 12th and 13th centuries when the crusaders returned from the Holy Land, growing the order of knights throughout Europe, that the fashion for pearls, neglected for centuries was revived. The crusaders returned to Europe with stories of the fabulous wealth of Indian and Persian princes and it is from these times that the tales of The Arabian Nights originate.Pearls From The New WorldThe political stability and economic growth that enabled the Renaissance in Europe also led to a new age in pearls. Art and culture were no longer so strictly controlled by the church and pearls once again became a favourite fashion luxury. Venice and Genoa were famed for their pearl markets.In addition to pearls so keenly traded from the Orient, freshwater pearls were also discovered in many areas of Europe and can still be seen on church vessels and crown jewels that survive from that period.On the third of his legendary voyages, Christopher Columbus, discovered the pearl beds of the Americas and soon a thriving trade was established bringing pearls to Europe from the coast of what is now Venezuela, Panama and later the Gulf of California. The royal and noble houses of Europe including the Italian Medici, the Austrian Hapsburgs and the English Stuarts were among the biggest buyers.The most famous pearl of this time is La Peregrina, The Pilgrim, which was owned by Phillip II of Spain. It was believed to have bought the freedom of the slave who discovered the gem in the Gulf of Panama. Today, La Peregrina is owned by Elizabeth Taylor. A gift from Richard Burton, through the centuries its owners have included Queen Mary Tudor and Napoleon Bonaparte.Queen Elizabeth I of England (1533-1603) amassed a wealth of pearls to rival the lavish collections of the Persian princes and Indian Maharajahs. She always wore at least seven ropes of pearls – the longest reaching her knees – and owned more than 3000 lavish gowns embroidered with pearls.The fashion for pearls spread among the wealthier middle class throughout Europe and in many countries, including England, France, Germany and Italy. Pearl laws were passed aiming to curb the inflationary demand on pearl prices and the outflow of gold.The passion for pearls continued to grow unabated and through the Baroque age, the Rococo period and the Napoleonic age became firmly established as an essential accessory in any wealthy and fashionable woman’s wardrobe.Around 1845, French explorers returned to Europe with pearls from the South Sea, some dark in colour and larger than any pearls previously seen. Eugie, Empress of France, and wife of Napoleon, wore these dark pearls frequently, leading yet another fashion for pearls.In the late 1800s, the world’s most prolific Pinctada maxima oyster beds were discovered off the coasts of northern Australia. For hundreds of years, these beds had been fished by early traders and venturers including the Chinese, Macassars and Indonesians, who are now all known to have had established trade links with Australia Aboriginal people. The discovery?of the beds by Europeans soon gave rise to a booming mother-of-pearl shell industry.The isolated town of Broome became the world’s most important pearling port and by 1900 was supplying around 75% of the world’s demand for mother-of-pearl shell. Early in the 20th century the port was home to a fleet of 400 pearling luggers and more than 3000 pearlers from throughout Asia, principally from Japan.Occasionally, the Pinctada maxima oysters yielded natural pearls – the largest and most voluptuous pearls the world had seen. Their discovery caused a sensation and the modern passion for South Sea pearls was ignited that continues to this day. For the first time, the Europeans brought to the pearl beds the ‘new’ technology of the industrial revolution. Diving systems, for example, meant that divers could reach depths not previously possible. This also meant that rare natural pearls were being discovered in growing quantities.In terms of quality, size and quantity, their discovery led to an unprecedented era of pearls through the Victorian era in Europe. South Sea pearls were a popular highlight of the World Exhibition of Paris in 1900.Around this same time in Japan, Kokichi Mikimoto was having his first success in producing cultured pearls ?a success that has influenced the history of pearls to this day.
Pearl necklaces are a timeless staple every woman should have in her wardrobe. Unlike the puka shell necklace or goth style necklaces, it is the accessory that transcends the ages. This is no more evident than in the seven women who have made pearls apart of their style and grace. These women are the same that women of all ages often look to for classic, simple fashion that never goes out of style. Each makes and carries the pearls in her own unique way, but the look they exude still works today, even some 50 years later.
First Lady Barbara BushAs our first lady, Barbara Bush proudly wore her set of pearl necklaces virtually wherever she went. Who could forget her famous blue suit with the simple pearl necklace accent up top? Whether it was the simple single layered necklace or her triple strand necklace that became her signature, you could find Barbara always with her pearls as First Lady from 1988 to 1992. She showed us chic style can be achieved at any age.First Lady Jackie KennedyJackie Kennedy during the 1950’s and early 60’s introduced America to a new kind of Presidential style that brought a different type of elegance to the White House. Jackie’s personal style always seemed to be put together and very polished. Her style ranged from comfortable day clothes ideal for time with her children, to a simple sheath dress for an afternoon press conference, to imported gowns for Presidential balls. Whichever the event, she could generally be found wearing a classic white pearl necklace to pull the look together. She made pearls an essential part of her outfits and took them from casual wear to chic.
Princess DianaRemember Princess Diana in that stunning black dress by Christina Stambolian that became known as the “Revenge Dress”? Princess Di looked drop dead gorgeous at a time when the world’s eyes were directly upon her. She chose to accessorize that bold dress with a simple pearl choker that easily brought the chic factor up even further. Princess Di’s use of simplistic jewelry like pearls with daring dresses is what helped propel her out of the traditional role of a royal into the fashion world as an icon. Had she chosen to pair her outfits with the bold chunky jewelry of the 80’s and early 90’s, she may not have made the same type of impact on the fashion industry as she did.
Barbara BillingslyYou know Barbara best as Beaver’s mom, June Cleaver from Leave It to Beaver. No matter what Mrs. Cleaver was up to, whether preparing breakfast, vacuuming, or eating dinner, she always had her pearl necklace on. So much was this apart of the character that the necklace is apart of television history. However, few people know that the pearl necklace was actually Barbara Billingsly idea and something she continues to wear to this day!
Audrey HepburnWhen Audrey Hepburn came out in Breakfast at Tiffany’s with that little black dress and dramatic set of pearls, it was an instant moment in fashion history. Her look was so timeless and sophisticated that it still continues to transcend era’s of style. This set was a triple strand of pearls that created a bold addition to the dress. Today, you can find this look continuing to be emulated with women layering long single strand pearl necklaces or other types of necklaces over each other to create the same effect.
Princess GraceGrace Kelly started off as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses’s but then transformed into royalty when she became the Princess of Monaco. As Princess, Grace’s style needed to be impeccable at all times and is something she achieved with what seemed like little effort. She brought her classic American style into a foreign kingdom and captivated the world with her use of clean lined dresses, elegant evening gowns, and simple jewelry. She often adorned herself in simple pearl necklaces that complimented her classic American style.
Sarah Jessica ParkerWhat fashion list is complete without Sarah Jessica Parker? In the Sex and the City movie, Sarah Jessica dawned a long Akoya pearl necklace in a variety of scenes. She showed us that pearls are still very much apart of modern fashion. She accessorized everything from pretty dresses to even underwear with her pearl necklace. And in real life, she has been using pearls as apart of her red carpet accessories showing us true, classic and innovative style.
These seven women clearly show that pearl jewelry is here to stay and that classic, simple style is always in fashion. Investing in a simple pearl necklace that compliments you is something that you can carry with you throughout your lifetime. Look to these women for inspiration and we’re sure you’ll be able to create your own unique style using classic elements with modern trends.
It seems to get harder and harder to give a gift to an important woman in your life and make her truly surprised. Flowers are almost always expected, electronics are too easy, and gift cards are just too impersonal. Jewelry tends to be a gift you can rely on and still be the most surprising. But what type of jewelry will she like?
Pearl jewelry is a classic staple in every woman’s wardrobe. With new designs and modern updates to jewelry design, pearl jewelry is making a huge comeback in mainstream fashion. Today, one can find simple white pearls, beautifully multi-colored pearls, golden pearls and even black pearls. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, anniversary, or just because, pearls have truly become suitable for any age and occasion.
Pearl jewelry gift ideas for women will vary depending on her tastes and personality. So when selecting your pearl jewelry, bear in mind her personality and traits. This can help you narrow down your options for gift ideas. For women it’s about style, simplicity, staying power, and the personal aspect of the gift. Ask yourself, how does it relate to her style?
If she tends to be more on the trendy side, is a little bit bolder than some, a beautiful strand of colored Freshwater pearls or South Sea Pearls would be a perfect gift. The overall piece of jewelry, whether a pearl necklace or bracelet is simple. However, the unique pops of color from the pearls are unexpected. This stays true to her personal style, but gives her a classic piece of jewelry that has staying power through the decades.
A woman who may be a little bit rock and roll inside might enjoy black Tahitian pearls. These strong pieces speak directly to her taste and personality. They are bold, yet refined and offer her the elegance of pearl jewelry with a twist. Simple drop style Tahitian pearl earrings, for instance, can be her go-to pair of earrings each time she goes out for years to come.
If you’re not sure what her tastes are or know she sticks to the classics, then a simple strand of white pearls is a sure thing. Simple, and elegant, white pearls never go out of style and can be dressed up or down. Look for popular Akoya pearls or Freshwater pearls in white for the best options.
While pearl jewelry is high quality jewelry that lasts for decades, this doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Many online pearl jewelry stores offer quality pieces as low as $20.00 or as high as $2,000. So as it goes, pearl jewelry gift ideas for women can easily fit into your budget and you can still give her a high quality piece of jewelry that she will treasure for a very long time. Bear in mind these simple guides and her personality, and you will surely give a gift she will absolutely love.
Akoya pearl jewelry is one of the most popular types of pearl jewelry available. Often times when you are looking at a set of jewelry, it has been strung together with Akoya pearls. While identifying the specific type of pearl to the untrained eye can be difficult, you can use the following principals to help you understand better the characteristics of what makes Akoya pearl jewelry so different.
The Origin of Akoya Pearl JewelryAkoya pearls are generally harvested in Japan and China. Like many pearls they are cultured on farms and individually hand picked. Of course, only the top pearls make it to the final jewelry piece. You can ask your jeweler the origins of the pearls and they should be more than happy to give you a back story.
The Size of Akoya PearlsAkoya pearls can vary in size. On average, they measure from 6 to 7 mm. However, they can be as tiny as 2mm or as large as 10 mm. Unlike other types of pearls, Akoya pearls have the ability to be so small because they come from the Akoya oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii) which tends to be smaller in size as well.
The Color of Akoya Pearl JewelryAkoya pearls are generally white or cream. However, they have also been known to have some yellow, pink, blue and even rose overtones. When looking at the Akoya pearl jewelry you are interested in, keep a close eye on what the jeweler is telling you, or if you’re shopping online, what the details for that set of jewelry are.
The Texture of Akoya PearlsIn comparison to Freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls can be distinctly identified. They are much smoother to the touch in terms of its texture. In addition, the luster, or the pearls ability to reflect light and shine, is much stronger.
While all types of pearls are beautiful, the characteristics of an Akoya pearl make it especially pleasing. The vast difference in the sizes the pearl can come in, make Akoya pearl jewelry much more interesting and appealing to the average eye. Bearing these 4 quick characteristics can help you narrow down what type of pearl you are looking at and make an informed, educated purchasing decision that you will ultimately be most happy with.
Caring for your pearl jewelry is a vital part in the prolonged longevity and beauty you can achieve with your pearls. Pearls in general are more delicate than other types of jewels, and therefore require a bit more attention and care. Following a few simple steps and avoiding contact with certain substances can ensure your pearls stay beautiful for a long time.
When it comes to your pearl jewelry, it is best to follow this simple rule: “Last thing on, First thing off.” Wearing your pearls while you are getting ready in the morning increases it’s exposure to harmful chemicals that can cause damage. These chemicals can come from simple objects like hairspray, perfume, and even your makeup which can cause your pearls to become dull and dirty. Similarly at night, your pearls should be the first thing you take off. Your pearls can have a similar reaction to the types of cleansers, toners, and lotions you use as well as makeup removal solutions.
Also, if you are going to follow the great June Cleaver and do housework in your pearls, think again. Simple household detergents and cleaning products can contain chlorine and ammonia which can have an adverse reaction on your pearls. Any gardening and swimming with pearls on should also be avoided. It’s best to save them for the office or going out.
Even if you do avoid chemical contact to your pearls, they still need cleaning and maintenance. Many sets of pearl jewelry come with cleaning kits to help you maintain your pearls beauty. These kits include soft gem cloths that are gentle not to scratch the surface of the pearl but still be able to thoroughly remove impurities. Using harder, more abrasive items like a simple toothbrush can cause damage to the pearls nacre or cause pitting, so a soft cloth is best. You may wipe your pearls dry or use a gentle solution of water and a very mild soap. Do not opt for cleaning solutions that contain ammonia or harsh detergents which can cause more damage than good. You should also keep your pearls away from ultrasonic cleaners as well.
When you are done wearing your pearls, try not to store them along with other jewelry that can potentially scratch the surface. Store your pearls in a soft pouch that cushions it and keeps it protected from potential damage. Also, many people store their jewelry in bank safe deposit boxes. These boxes are generally humidity-free, which is not a good environment for cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are considered organic colored stones. Over time, a humidity-free environment can dry out your pearl jewelry and may cause them to crack. So you may want to speak with your bank about options or opt for an alternative safe location.
Lastly, to increase the longevity of your pearl jewelry, you should consider having them restrung each year. This will keep your pearls in good condition and also ensure that the chord is in a good, strong condition. You really do not want to care for the actual pearls so carefully and then have them spill across the floor because of an old nylon chord. So having them restrung on a new chord will ensure your pearl necklace or bracelet stays in tact. You can also look into pearl jewelry that uses stronger stringing materials like European leather chords which may last longer.
No matter what type of pearls you have, whether it is Akoya, Freshwater, South Sea, or Tahitian pearls, you need to maintain each pearl carefully to maximize their longevity. Following these simple rules of thumb can help you care for your pearls in a way that allows you to treasure them for a long long time.
Freshwater pearl jewelry is probably the most common type of pearl jewelry sold. People are most familiar with these types and you are most likely to see these sold in normal department stores as well as high end jewelry stores. To see if you are looking at a set of Freshwater pearl jewelry, keep the following four factors in mind.
The Origin of Freshwater Pearl Jewelry
Today, the majority of freshwater pearls are mass produced through pearl farms located in China. Unlike other types of pearls, freshwater pearls derive from mussels which live in freshwater lakes and rivers. Other types of pearls come from mussels which live in sea/salt water. Freshwater pearl jewelry is probably the most accessible type of pearl jewelry available and maybe the most affordable. Large pearl farms located about 300 miles outside of Shanghai have been producing large quantities of freshwater pearls for decades. However, in recent years, the emphasis of quantity has been switched to the emphasis of quality. This means that only the highest quality shapes, nacre’s, and sizes are selected to create the final pieces of freshwater pearl jewelry sent around the world.
The Size of Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls range from average sizes to larger than usual. The exact measurements are usually 4mm to 11mm. As we said, in recent times, the production of freshwater pearl jewelry has been put more on quality rather than quantity. So you are going to be finding more and more freshwater pearls that are closer to being identical in size rather than previously.
Color of Freshwater Pearl Jewelry
You can encounter freshwater pearl jewelry that come in a all colors of the rainbow it seems. Naturally, however, freshwater pearls can usually be found to be white or cream with rose and/or green overtones. You can also find freshwater pearls that are also naturally peach, pink, and even purple. If you come across chocolate freshwater pearls or black freshwater pearls, more than often these have been treated to be this color. However, the pearl itself is most likely still 100% real unless otherwise stated.
Shapes of Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls come in a variety of shapes as well. Most freshwater pearls are oval, button and coin shaped. More often, saltwater pearls come in a more circular shape. Freshwater pearls on the other hand are just slightly off more often than not. However when grouped together with similar shaped pearls, the overall freshwater pearl jewelry still looks just as stunning in the end.
While freshwater pearl jewelry is most often the least expensive of all the pearl jewelry types, they have some very strong qualities and characteristics that make them unique and valuable. In addition to the 4 characteristics we’ve already mentioned, the strength and durability of the actual pearl is much stronger than other types of pearls. This makes freshwater pearl jewelry long lasting and worth the investment.
