No one can deny that pearls are the epitome of style and elegance. Style icons such as Coco Chanel, Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn knew the versatility and the sophistication of pearls.
The history of pearls goes back more than 6,000 years. Coveted by many during the roman empire, only high society were permitted to wear them. Once owned only by royal families and aristocrats, pearls have become an affordable commodity, thanks to Mikimoto Kodichi. In the early 1900s Mikimoto was the first person to cultivate completely spherical pearls that were indistinguishable from the highest quality natural ones. Mikimoto perfected the secret of inserting a piece of oyster membrane with a nucleus of shell. This foreign object caused the oyster to form a pearl sack, which produces nacre, thus creating a pearl.
Either salt water or fresh, almost all pearls today are cultivated, which means they are grown on a pearl farm. Salt water pearls take 2 to 3 years to produce a pearl. Because of this longevity, they have a deeper luster and are normally completely spherical. Fresh water pearls are cultivated slightly differently, do not take as long to cultivate, and produce many more pearls per oyster. Because of this, their luster is not as deep. Pearls may be bleached to increase their whiteness or dyed an assortment of colors. Many different types of pearls are cultivated throughout the world, and each type has its own special qualities.
Check out our pearl collection on www.twogirlsgems.etsy.com, as we pay homage to one of nature's most miraculous creations.
