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The pearl : Discover its characteristics and our selection of pearl jewelry

Name and characteristics of the Pearl

A calcareous concretion secreted by the mantle of some mollusks, the fine pearl is born naturally in the shell. It has been known since antique times. It was highly sought after in the countries of the East and Far East where it was a symbol of wealth. Rare today, it is found almost exclusively on antique jewelry and is still very valuable.

Whether they are cultured pearls or natural pearls, pearls are true wonders of nature with a timeless charm. Between refinement and elegance, they embody femininity in its purest form and remain essential when they are mounted in pearl jewelry. In short, discover the history of this true jewel known since the dawn of time.

Different varieties of Pearls

When we talk about cultured pearls, we obviously think of the white and pearly color and the perfect roundness. But there are many others with different varieties and shapes.

Otherwise known as "black or gray pearls", Tahitian pearls are native to French Polynesia. Slightly silvery with gray-blue hues, this exotic pearl is usually a big hit in jewelry, especially in pearl rings or pearl earrings. Round, or semi-round, they can be very valuable when they are natural.

Both classic and elegant, Akoya Pearls originate from Japan. With a beautiful creamy white hue, they are usually round or semi-round. We present a beautiful collection of Japanese pearl necklaces with a refined orient that has nothing to do with the cultured pearls found in modern jewelry stores.

Finally, South Sea Pearls are often synonymous with treasures. From Northern Australia, Thailand, the Philippines or Indonesia, they are brightly colored and often immaculately white or luminous gold. Incredibly luxurious, they are relatively large with a size that can vary between 10 and 20 millimeters.

Stories and beliefs about the Pearl

The use of pearls dates back to prehistoric times. At that time, they were not used in beaded jewelry, but directly sewn on clothing. Some excavations have shown that they were used in rituals, 5500 years BC. Both mystical and sacred, the Chinese consider them a true gift from nature and do not hesitate to inscribe incantations. In the Egyptian civilization, they are often used as decoration and remain associated with a sign of purity.

In Greece, it would be a sign of love generally associated with weddings. Highly valued by all antique civilizations, they began to gain in value in the late 1800s. It was in 1893 that Kokichi Mikimoto developed the first semi-spherical cultured pearl and then exported them across borders. Today, natural pearls, still called fine pearls, have practically disappeared, but their value is still inestimable, especially in jewelry.

Known since the dawn of time, pearls have many virtues, both psychological and physical.

Generally associated with purity and spirituality, pearls have both soothing and relaxing properties. In shades of gray, they would increase discretion and modesty to remain humble in all circumstances. As for the shades of pink, they are generally associated with love and tenderness and offered at a wedding or a baptism.

Origin and composition of the Pearl

Produced by mollusks, pearls are small pearly beads whose colors range from white to gray. The cultured pearl is cultivated by man. The natural pearl is found in its natural state within a shell. To obtain this particular material, you must know that the oyster secretes nacre to protect itself from an external intruder. That is why, in culture, it must be systematically in contact with an object which will be placed by the hand of the man in its shell.

The most beautiful pearls come from a technique developed at the end of the 19th century by Mikimoto, which consists of introducing a mother-of-pearl core into the mantle of a pearl oyster and waiting 3 to 5 years to recover the pearl. This cultivation principle has been well established since the 1920s.

Unfortunately, many modern cultured pearls are of low quality with a very weak and fragile nacre layer, acid bleached to obtain more whiteness or treated to obtain "worldly" shades.

Natural shades differ according to several factors: geographical area of cultivation, species of mollusc, environment of cultivation ...

As for the deposits, the best known is that of Tahiti, even if the pearls of the South Seas and the freshwater pearls of Keshi or Melo are still highly sought after for their beauty and extreme rarity.

Pearls care

The pearl is particularly fragile, it does not tolerate chemicals, grease and sweat.

This is why we advise you, after wearing your pearl jewelry, to clean it to remove the deposits accumulated during the day. Use a soft, damp cloth to remove all traces of the products. You can also wash them periodically with a mild PH neutral soap and a soft cloth.

It is important to store your pearls in a cloth, case or pouch, separate from your other jewelry to avoid damaging them.

With which materials should the Pearl be combined?

The incredible variety of cultured pearls makes it possible to offer a unique piece of jewelry whose natural elegance will vary according to the hues and materials. For example, a Japanese pearl of immaculate white and mounted in solitaire for a look full of subtlety and delicacy. In the same range, white gold and pearly softness will give your pearl jewelry an intense glow matched with elegance and finesse.

For a touch of modernity, we turn to the black Tahitian pearl whose brilliance will shine wonderfully with a white gold or silver alloy. This is even more true with a diamond setting that will illuminate your ring or necklace. Finally, South Sea pearls in a beautiful golden yellow will catch the eye with a gold setting for a tone on tone of rare refinement and incredible shimmer. 

Pearls are one of the most precious treasures bequeathed to us by the seas and oceans. They can be found on all types of jewelry, from traditional pearl earrings and pearl rings to the most original pearl pendants

Elegant, timeless, this collection of quality pearl jewelry invites you to discover classic or original interpretations of these precious gems.

Discover our precious collection of antique or new Pearl jewelry

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