Pearl Jewelry – Wear Nature’s Stunning Beauty

14K Gold Filled Chain with Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearl

14K Gold Filled Chain with Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearl

The Uniqueness of Pearl Jewelry

Amongst all the gems, pearls are the most unique. They are the only stone which does not require any additional cutting and polishing by a master jeweler. Pearls are made of nacre, which is already highly lustrous, meaning that these stunning gems can be added to any piece of jewelry very easily. For this reason, pearls have been used for centuries worldwide. Previously, people had to dive for them in the wilds, whereas now, they are simply farmed. Examples of pearl jewelry are found in John S. Brana’s Sea Cliff collection where it is used for subtle appearance enhancements or to make much bolder statements.

Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls

There are two types of pearls, saltwater and freshwater. Jewelers, such as John S. Brana, use the freshwater variety which comes in a greater number of shapes and sizes. One of the most appealing types is the Keishi pearl which comes in a fantastic array of irregular, but natural-looking shapes. These gems add a very unique appearance to any jewelry that they are added to. Because none of them look alike, they can be used to create necklaces or earrings which are one-of-a-kind works of art. This adds to their overall appeal and makes them highly sought after.

Keishi Cornflake Pearl Necklace

Keishi Cornflake Pearl Necklace

For some examples of how pearls are used within jewelry, have a look at the collection of items from John S. Brana with pieces such as fine silver earrings containing garnets and pearls, and necklaces made of amethyst and Keishi pearls.

The Pearl – June’s Birthstone

With its amazing appearance and versatility, the pearl is a gem which can be worn anywhere on any occasion. Pearl jewelry is a great gift idea for that special someone as it fits in with numerous styles and tastes. The pearl is also the birthstone for anyone born in June, and will make a great belated birthday present!

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Pearls – June’s Birthstone

Hammered Fine Silver Earrings with Gold Freshwater Pearls

Hammered Fine Silver Earrings with Gold Freshwater Pearls

June’s Birthstone – The Classic Pearl

June’s birthstone, the pearl, has been a favorite gemstone since the days of the Roman Empire. They are the only gemstone created by a living creature and the only one that needs no cutting or polishing to enhance its value.

Pearls are formed when an irritant enters the shell of a mollusk. The mollusk coats the irritant with a substance known as ‘nacre’, and a natural pearl is formed. Since naturally forming saltwater pearls are so rare these days natural pearls have largely complemented by cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are pearls that are formed due to a small bead or other substance placed inside of a mollusk by commercial pearl farms, which originated in Japan in the early 1900s. Today, most cultured pearls are grown and harvested around the world although most come from China, Japan, and the South Pacific. Even though natural pearls are the most highly prized, the only way to determine whether a pearl is natural or cultured is to have it x-rayed by a jeweler.

14K Gold Filled Chain with Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearl

14K Gold Filled Chain with Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearl

Freshwater Pearl Grading

Pearls are graded by color, luster, size and lack of flaws. Pearls that are perfectly round are quite rare, and of course, the larger the pearl, the more valuable. However, pearls of varying shapes are also highly prized. Baroque pearls are pearls that are irregularly shaped. Teardrop pearls are most often used in earrings and pendants. Coin or button pearls and smaller rice or keishi pearls are also popular choices for fashion jewelry.

While white is still the most popular color, cultured pearls are available in several other hues, such as pink, purple, blue, champagne, green and black, with black pearls rapidly gaining in popularity. As these colors are naturally occurring, it can be difficult to obtain enough of the same size and color to form one jewelry piece. White pearls are sometimes bleached and pearls may be dyed to produce new colors or to enhance their original color and luster.

Imitation pearls made from shell or glass are popular due to their affordability and similarity to natural or cultured pearls but they are lighter in weight and not as lustrous as natural or cultured pearls.

Pearl wearers should take special care with their jewelry as natural and cultured pearls can be discolored by dyes and solvents. Hairspray and perfumes should be applied before putting on pearl jewelry to avoid dulling the pearl’s creamy, lustrous surface.  By taking special care of your pearl jewelry, you will ensure a lifetime wear of  June’s Birthstone – the Pearl.

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