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What is Pearl? All you need to know

Beauty plays an important role in everyone's life. Some people consider beauty to be art and something else that brings warmth to the soul. For other people, beauty is real precious jewelry. They help to feel confident and distinguished. Precious stones are often associated with a certain symbolism and secret meaning. When choosing a piece of jewelry, a person associates it as his or her talisman throughout life. The variety of jewelry and gemstones is overwhelming. Often people ask an interesting question ‘what is  pearl’ and how does it actually appear. A pearl is an extraordinary gemstone that is valued for its shape, color, and how it's formed. Often this stone is grown without the help of human hands. The depth of the ocean and Mother Nature help to create such extraordinary beauty. Sometimes a human hand is also involved in the creation of a pearl.

The Formation of Pearls: How Nature Creates Beauty

Interesting facts about pearls will allow you to understand the beauty of this gem. These beautiful stones are formed by mollusks in an amazing way. This process creates gemstones of extraordinary beauty. Oysters and mussels are the mollusks that form pearls, when sand or other irritants enter an oyster. In order to get rid of them, the mollusk begins to naturally respond to it. The whole process is connected with what pearls are and how they are extracted. This irritant contained inside the mollusk begins to be processed by a special substance. The oyster secretes a special substance that contains a lot of protein and constantly wraps this parasite. It is also important to understand the difference between natural and cultured pearls. These facts about pearls will help us to know how a pearl is formed and in what ways. Here are the main ones and their comparison:

  • Natural. The natural method includes growing pearls in the wild. It can be the sea and ocean where mollusks are involved in the cultivation of this stone. As a result, we get a genuinely precious and beautiful stone that is famous for its rarity.
  • Cultivated. The cultivated method involves the use of various additional means by humans. This helps to increase the number of pearls in the gem world. A tiny pest is specially planted on the mollusk; it can be a bead or something else. Over time, the object placed by humans is constantly covered with mother-of-pearl. This explains how pearls are cultivated.

Types of Pearls: From Freshwater to Saltwater

It is important to understand and interesting to know that pearls come in different types and shapes. Each of them is unique and showcases their beauty. Also, these pearls are mined in different places, which is why they look different. Each type is uniquely extraordinary. A pearl is a jewel and it is often used for various types of jewelry. However, their cultivation process is fascinating. Here are the main ones:

  • Freshwater pearls. Pearls grown in freshwater are much cheaper and more accessible than others. They have a wide range of colors and varieties. They usually have a less thick layer of pearl and are lighter. They come in different sizes and are famous for their shape.  
  • Akoya pearls. These pearls are often grown along the coast of sea oysters. They have an extremely bright luster and a larger diameter. Such pearls usually come in cream and white colors, which makes them unique. A pearl is a gemstone that is famous for its visual appearance.
  • South Sea pearls. These are the pearls that are considered to be among the most popular and precious. They have one of the most significant volumes and are famous for their use in various types of jewelry. 
  • Tahitian pearls. These pearls are grown in a unique oyster shell, which gives them different colors. Often, these pearls are called exotic because of their black, green, and other rich colors. Such pearls are impressively sized, which makes them popular.

Pearls vs. Other Gemstones: What Sets Them Apart?

The fact that ‘is a pearl a jewel’ helps us understand its value and necessity. It is interesting to know that pearls are often compared to other gemstones. Their difference is evident due to the fact that pearls are grown organically. It is also essential to understand what exactly is their difference and comparison.

  • The natural aesthetics and uniqueness of pearls are given by the factor associated with their appearance. The organic way of growing makes these stones even more precious and unique. They have exciting shades and colors, some of which are very rare. It is this way of growing that makes pearls indeed a work of art and nature.
  • All the information about pearls is truly fascinating and lets you dive into the world of sophistication. Despite their beauty and preciousness, pearls are tough stones. They are much softer than other gemstones and are often scratched. Such gemstones are gorgeous and desirable, but their use is not durable. 
  • Another factor that distinguishes pearls from other gemstones is their luster. Thanks to it, they sparkle as if they are dancing at sunset. This gem will perfectly emphasize any jewelry. The use of pearls in jewelry will make it exquisite and perfect.

Historical Significance: Pearls Through the Ages

Information about pearls is fascinating throughout history and meaning. Pearls have been known since the past centuries when they became a symbol of beauty. Understand that the symbolism of pearls is love and wealth. These stones allowed people to demonstrate their strength, power, and beauty. It is interesting to know when pearls were most popular, their use, and their history up to the present day.

  • In ancient times, especially in Ancient Rome, pearls were a symbol of wealth. They were worn by powerful people. Pearls were associated with powerful, and wisdom. In those days, people thought that pearls were formed from real gods and gave incredible power.
  • It is essential to understand that a pearl is a gemstone, and the symbolism of this stone in other countries is potent. This gemstone has had only one meaning for many centuries. Spiritual power, abundance, and love. This stone was considered sacred and was cherished and worshiped.
  • Today, pearls are used to make a wide variety of jewelry to enhance your appearance. Their value is exceptionally high and desirable due to their rarity. These stones can perfectly accentuate any look and complement any piece of jewelry.

How to Care for Pearls: Maintenance Tips

Often, the question ‘What is a pearl?’ allows us to think about how exquisite this gem is. Such a stone becomes a meaningful symbol for the person who bought it. Pearls have long been considered a gem that offers protection. They should be worn and cared for properly to prolong their durability. Unlike other gemstones, pearls are more fragile and not as strong. It is essential to follow some rules for care and storage. Here are some of them:

  • It is important to regularly clean the dirt from your pearl jewelry. A plain, soft cloth will help to wipe off dirt and dust from the gemstone. If you notice stains on your pearls, it is better to use a soapy solution. It is essential to remember about pearls and their fragility and not to immerse them completely in water. Wipe the pearls with a dampened cloth until they are spotless.
  • Always think about how to store your jewelry correctly. It is important to remember that pearls are best stored away from other jewelry to avoid damage. Get a soft bag or cloth to store your pearl jewelry. Avoid places of moisture to avoid damaging the stones.
  • Always put on pearl jewelry after the getting ready. It is important to remember that various chemicals can damage the stones and reduce their durability. Do not wear pearl jewelry for daily wear. It is important to remember that such jewelry will allow you to shine at special occasions. You will be able to understand what pearls are for and always wear them on special occasions. 

Choosing the Perfect Pearl: What to Look For

When choosing a truly beautiful piece of jewelry, consider some of the factors that make up a pearl. Your choice and the subsequent quality and durability of the jewelry will depend on this. Here are some factors that influence the right choice of pearl:

  • The most important thing that should be present in a pearl is its luster. It is usually highly bright, exquisite, and almost mirror-like.
  • Consider what kind of jewelry you are looking for and choose the right size. Usually, pearls come in many different sizes, from small to large. A small one will help to emphasize the individuality and minimalism of your look. A large pearl makes a bold fashion statement.
Understanding “what is pearls” and the variety of their colors will help you choose the best one for you. Pay attention to the color that will emphasize your style and image and match the jewelry. Also, pay attention to the quality and thickness of the pearl. If the pearl has a good thickness, it means that it is high-quality.
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