From Kate Middleton to Catwoman.. from Jackie O to Angelina Jolie.. from Coco to Oprah and Carrie to Rihanna.. women of allure wear pearls. To June brides they symbolize a new life, to June grads they symbolize wisdom. They are the queen of gems, and the gem of Queens, and now you can win them by commenting below!
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Pearls are considered the most magical and feminine of all gems, prized for their beauty and rarity. They are the only organic gemstone. When a foreign substance enters the soft tissue of certain mollusks, they coat it with layers and layers of iridescent crystalline nacre, forming a pearl.
Natural pearls are extremely rare and valuable (only one in 10,000 oysters will naturally produce a pearl) and if Mikimoto hadn’t come along, only the very wealthy would ever be able to afford a pearl. In the late 19th century he developed a technique for artificially stimulating (culturing) round pearls in Akoya saltwater oysters. He then revolutionized the industry so that these saltwater pearls could be farmed and harvested like a crop! It took approximately one year for each millimeter of nacre to be formed around his newly-cultured pearl.
Today, those techniques have expanded to freshwater pearls, making genuine pearl jewelry widely available. But Akoya saltwater pearls are still considered to be the gold-standard of cultured pearls because of their luster. The finest ones almost look electric, or 'plugged-in' and are classified as "mirror bright."
The most luxurious pearls in the world are South Sea, which come in white, silver, pink, gold, cream - followed by Tahitian pearls which are a dark mix of silver, green, blue, purple, red and sometimes look like 'peacock.' On the opposite end of the price scale are Keshi pearls (means 'accident' because they are the result of a mistake in the implantation process) which are almost all nacre and have extraordinary luster (which jewelers say is the most important attribute of a pearl) and can be found in beautiful, fanciful designs.
Spherical pearls (should roll in a straight line) are the most difficult to achieve and are much more expensive than semi-round, button, drop, pear, oval, circle or baroque shapes. 7.5mm was once the standard size, but as the industry changes we see pearls of all types and colors becoming the treasured heirlooms that are passed from mothers to daughters.
Pearl Necklace Lengths
Collar | 10-13" | At throat with no drape | ||
Choker | 14-16" | At base of neck | ||
Princess | 17-19" | Just below collarbone; classic length | ||
Matinee | 20-24" | At cleavage | ||
Opera | 28-35" | At sternum | ||
Rope | 45"+ | For layering and lariats |
Sometimes the value of pearls comes from more than just size and luster. According to lore, Marc Antony searched long and hard for the one he gave Cleopatra, and Krishna gave them to his beloved daughter on her wedding day. Even though no less than the Cartier Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City was purchased in full for just a double strand of pearls - we also value pearls because of a personal connection to someone precious or the remembrance of a special event in our lives. For many, they are the ultimate jewelry statement in grace and beauty hence the saying "All Girls Love Pearls."
Do you like pearls? If so, comment below by June 30th for a chance to win a strand of cultured pearls (necklace) or a pearl bracelet or pearl earrings - just tell us your favorite thing about pearls! The three winners will be randomly selected and notified via email by July 2nd.
I never in my life owned a strand of pearls, but always wanted to. I think pearls are very classy and really dress up an outfit, especially a little black dress. I think pearls really make any outfit look classy and sophisticated.
I love that you can wear pearls with any outfit.
Pearls are so classic, they work for day or night.
I remember when mom would try to get us to eat oysters she would tell us we might find a pearl in them but we still never tried them but would always watch as she would eat to see if one would show up! lol
I love pearls because they are classy. It is an accessory that will never go out of style and adds elegance to an outfit.
I love pearls! mine got stolen one year on valentines day. I loved the way they felt cool on my neck!
Pearls are the one accessory to take any outfit from average to classy. Love them!
My favorite thing about pearls is its my birth stone: June, and my 30th bday is only 14 days away! Fingers crossed!
Pearls are great for any event. I love to wear them, plus they are my birth 'stone'
Love pearls they can be worn from casual to elegant and EVERYTHING in between, neckaces, earings and rings :) I call them ...."The Jewels from the Sea"
My favorite thing about pearls is that they are timeless and classic. I do not think that they will ever go out of style.
I don't wear pearls often. Just for special occasions. But they are lovely and remind me of weddings!
I love how pearls can dress up any outfit!!
Pearls are very classy looking!
I love pearls they instantly add a touch of class and sophistication to whatever you wear.