Pearl is the last of the three birthstones for June, and perhaps the best-loved gems of all time. Pearls are pure and organic treasures from the Earth, residing in ponds, lakes, seas, and oceans. Pearls are almost as old as Mankind and possibly the first true gem our ancestors used to adorn themselves with. Unlike faceted gems, a pearl is beautiful from the beginning. Embodied by mystery, power, and occurring in a wide variety of desirable colors - in natural and cultured pearls.
Although white and cream pearls have remained a classic status symbol of wealth for thousands of years, appreciation has grown for natural earth tone hues and shapes ranging from the perfect shining spheres, lustrous baroque free forms, and unique keishi flakes. Coincidentally, pearls share a trait with the other two birthstones for June, they are also a phenomenal gemstone, and display the iridescent phenomenon known as orient.
Orient is one of the most beautiful and unique effects found on pearls. The pearls of the Persian Gulf were known as "Oriental Pearls" to Romans, and therefore the name "orient" was given to pearls that possessed a unique play of color on their surface. Pearl orient is complicated to explain, created in part by the nacre's thickness, sculptural lines, deep luster, surface purity, color, and reflections - all allowing the pearl to display subtle color variations while in motion. The more intense the effect is, the more desirable the pearl is.
Orient is one of the most beautiful and unique effects found on pearls. The pearls of the Persian Gulf were known as "Oriental Pearls" to Romans, and therefore the name "orient" was given to pearls that possessed a unique play of color on their surface. Pearl orient is complicated to explain, created in part by the nacre's thickness, sculptural lines, deep luster, surface purity, color, and reflections - all allowing the pearl to display subtle color variations while in motion. The more intense the effect is, the more desirable the pearl is.
Natural pearls form around a microscopic irritant in the bodies, and mantle tissues of certain mollusks - without man's help. Cultured (man grown) pearls are the result of the deliberate insertion of a bead or piece of tissue that the mollusk coats with nacre. Cultured pearls are raised specifically for purpose, and require human intervention and care, such as the well-known Freshwater pearl. Three popular types of saltwater cultured pearls with the desired orient effect are the Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian.
Pearls portray ultimate feminine energy and have long been associated with elegance and beauty. They are said to give the wearer a sense of calm, integrity, loyalty, truth and purity.
Enjoy your birthstone. May it bring you all of the qualities and more!
Enjoy your birthstone. May it bring you all of the qualities and more!
