Often, people ask a question: What is pearl jewelry? What is a pearl? Where does it come from? Actually, these people have good education and they read a lot. Still, as rule, only the professionals in the field can answer these questions. Speaking of professionals, we mean gemologists or jewellers. They know what a pearl is. How it is formed etc.
I think that the readers should know more about how the pearls are born. Because, eventually, this will help them to become “smart buyers” of jewelry. As well, they should know how to buy pearls. Moreover, people should see whether they deal with real pearl jewelry or imitation pearls. In addition, they need to be aware of how to choose nice and valuable pearls.
What is a pearl?
Speaking about pearl jewelry from the scientific (and, thus, prosaic) point of view,we know one fact. A pearl, a gorgeous and exquisite pearl, is nothing else but calcium carbonate.
To start with, pearls are the only gems that grow in a living organism. This living organism is a certain type of a mollusc. It is called an oyster if it grows in salt water. If it grows in fresh water, we call it a mussel.
Just imagine that scientists know about 8,000 different species of bivalve molluscs. And only approximately 20 among them may produce a pearl. Does this prove that pearl jewelry is something special?
How a pearl appears
I would respond: “Yes”. Imagine a mollusc which is invaded by a foreign body. This may be a parasite, a virus or microorganism. Protecting itself, the mollusc tries to get rid of the intruder. As it fails doing this, it creates the so-called pearl sac. The pearl sac is formed around the alien body. This pearl sac starts secreting a crystalline substance. We call this substance nacre. Eventually, this nacre is responsible for the beauty and exquisiteness of pearls. Because nacre’s quality, its luster, determines the distinction and excellence of pearl jewelry.
Layer after layer, this nacre is deposited around the intruder. Thousands and thousands of layers are formed. Year after a year. And, Voila!, a pearl is born.
This makes pearls something very special. Imagine how they grow in the mollusc as if it is their mother. Really, a pearl is something alive. By the way, the experts state an interesting thing. You should wear pearl jewelry if you want to keep it beautiful. Without the warmth of a human body pearl jewelry will die.
So, now you know what pearl jewelry is. Moreover, you understand why it is so special and precious. Then, wear it with pleasure! Pearls will be so grateful to you. They will cheer you with their riveting and exquisite glow!
