Definition of a Pearl Jewelry need not always be gold, silver or even precious diamonds. Sometimes a single pearl as a pendant or earrings can make all the difference. What makes it stand out amongst a host of precious and semi precious metals and stones is the fact that it is borne out of a living being like an oyster. Most other metals and stones are found buried deep under the surface of the Earth.
A pearl is round in shape and has an extremely hard exterior. A pearl originates within a mollusk and is composed of calcium carbonate. The concentration of the calcium carbonate takes place in the form of concentric circles. However, in present times the creation of pearls is done by injecting a foreign body into the cover of the oyster.
Just as a foreign particle enters its shell, the oyster engages in the secretion of nacre, by virtue of a biological process. The secreted nacre envelopes the foreign body and maintains the natural environment within the shell of the oyster. It is only after several layers of nacre are deposited that a small pearl is created within the oyster shell.
Today pearls are a symbol of grace and elegance for the contemporary women. It doesn’t look garish as junk jewelry but has a charm of its own, even with its minimalist look. Pearls are classified into two categories based on their production, namely saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls.
Saltwater pearls are produced naturally, while the freshwater pearls are generally the ones that are artificially produced. Though ideally a pearl should be absolutely rounded, you will find such pearls very rarely. Saltwater pearls are generally off-shape and freshwater pearls that are artificially produced are found to be round in shape.
Freshwater pearls vary in shape, size and color. You can come across freshwater pearls in the shape of a rain drop, round, baroque, oval, button, heart shaped, semi round and in the shape of a rectangular coin. Since it is difficult to produce a perfectly rounded pearl, these are the most expensive ones.
Pearls are even available in a wide range of colors. These are the ones that are artificially cultivated in freshwater. These include black Tahitian pearls. It is one of the rarest forms of pearls as they cannot be cultivated in a huge number. In the days prior to the introduction of the process of cultivating pearls artificially, black pearls were hardly found.
These days’ colored pearls are produced by inducing different metals in freshwater pearl producing farms. Colored pearls are all the more attractive and you can make them a part of your costume jewelry collection.
The price of a pearl is determined on the basis of a combination of factors. These include its shape, color, shine, weight and its symmetry. The bigger the size of the pearl, the greater is its price.
A pearl looks good, is stylish and classy at the same time. You can wear it with formals, casuals as well as party wear. They suit every outfit and are perfect for any occasion.
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