June babies, pearls are your birthstone, and with good reason. These luminous gems have captivated humanity for centuries, gracing everything from antique tiaras to modern minimalist necklaces. But with so many varieties, navigating the world of pearls can be tricky. 

Pearls: A Natural Wonder

Unlike gemstones, pearls are organic, formed inside mollusks like oysters and mussels. When an irritant enters the mollusk's shell, it secretes layers of nacre, a beautiful iridescent material, to coat the irritant. Over time, this nacreous coating builds up, creating a pearl.

Image Source: https://www.originaleve.com/post/culturing-pearls 

Natural vs Cultured Pearls

Traditionally, pearls were entirely natural, making them incredibly rare and expensive. However, the development of culturing techniques in the early 20th century revolutionized the pearl industry. Today, most pearls are cultured, meaning the irritant is introduced into the mollusk by humans to stimulate pearl formation. Cultured pearls offer a more affordable and sustainable alternative to natural pearls, while still boasting similar beauty and luster.

Types of Pearls: A Journey Through Time

• Freshwater Pearls: Common in antique jewelry, particularly from the 1800s onwards, are freshwater pearls. Naturally occurring in rivers and lakes, these pearls tend to have an irregular, baroque shape. Modern freshwater pearls are often cultured and more uniform.

• Saltwater Pearls: Prized for their exceptional luster and round shapes, saltwater pearls are the stars of many antique and modern pieces. These include:

  • Akoya Pearls: These classic Japanese pearls are known for their near-perfect roundness and intense white or cream color. Popular in antique and modern jewelry alike.

  • South Sea Pearls: These luxurious pearls come in a wider range of colors, from golden yellow to deep silver, with a captivating orient (play of color). A favorite among collectors of both antique and modern jewelry. Watch National Georgraphics video about South Sea Pearls HERE. 

  • Tahitian Pearls: Also known as black pearls, these captivating gems come in a range of dark hues, often with hints of green, pink, or purple. Popularized in the 20th century, they add a touch of drama to both modern and vintage pieces.

• Specialty Pearls: Beyond the classics, there are unique pearl types prized for their distinctive shapes:

  • Baroque Pearls: These irregularly shaped pearls were particularly fashionable in the Baroque and Renaissance periods. You'll find them more frequently in antique jewelry.

  • Blister Pearls: Forming against the mollusk's shell wall, these pearls have a flat back and a domed top. Used whole in antique jewelry, they are sometimes cut and polished (known as Mabe pearls) for use in modern pieces.

  • Seed Pearls: These tiny pearls, usually less than 2mm, were often used in antique jewelry, particularly for delicate details or mourning pieces. They can also be found in modern costume jewelry.

 Image: Seed pearls featured in these antique pieces. 

Identifying Pearls: A Keen Eye

Telling real pearls from fakes can be tricky. Here are some pointers:

• Coating: Imitation pearls maybe be glass beads, shell or plastic they are coated to create the appearance of the lustrous nacre. This low quality product is easily chipped seen often around the drill hole. 
• Texture: Real pearls have a slightly gritty texture due to their layered nacre. Gently rub two pearls together or against your front teeth (be careful!). Real pearls will feel slightly rough, while fake pearls will feel smooth.
• Luster: Real pearls have a soft, iridescent glow that comes from within. Fake pearls may have a high shine, but it will look more artificial and plastic-like.
• Weight: Real pearls have some weight to them, while fake pearls can feel light and plasticky.
• Shape and uniformity: Real pearls are rarely perfectly round and may have slight bumps or blemishes. Fake pearls are often more uniform in size and shape.

Caring for Your Pearls: Keeping Them Luminous for Generations

Pearls require gentle care to maintain their luster. Here's how:

• Store them separately: Pearls can be easily scratched. Keep them in a soft pouch or fabric-lined jewelry box.
• Wipe them clean: After wearing, wipe your pearls with a soft, damp cloth to remove any sweat or residue.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Keep your pearls away from perfumes, cosmetics, and cleaning products, as these can damage the nacre.
• Strung Pearls: Pearls should be restrung every year if they are worn often. Quality pearls are normally knotted on silk string which over time can degrade. 

SHOP PEARLS