Pearls are harvested from mollusks, with oysters being the most common. Natural pearls are rare and expensive, while cultured pearls are created by injecting an irritant into the mollusk. Freshwater pearls come from mussels and man-made pearls are created using substitutes for oyster mucus. Pearls are considered elegant and versatile, suitable for both casual and formal wear. Research is recommended to find the best type of pearl for one’s needs and budget.
Pearls differ from other gemstones in that they are not mined from rock, but harvested from mollusks, especially oysters, although clams and mussels have been known to produce them as well. Basically, a pearl is produced when an irritant like sand gets trapped inside the oyster. To protect itself, the oyster secretes a mucus-like substance that accumulates around the sand and hardens.
It is a long and tedious practice to find oysters that have ingested a piece of sand to produce a pearl. The longer a pearl stays inside an oyster, the bigger it gets. Because of this, quality ones are considered rare and can be quite expensive. Fortunately for those who favor this gem, there are now farms that deliberately inject an irritant into the mollusks. These are known as cultured pearls.
Natural or South Sea pearls are those made by shellfish harvested from the ocean. Occasionally one will have a darker shade, either gray or black. These are rare and, as a result, very expensive.
Freshwater pearls are produced by mussels. As the name implies, these creatures are found in rivers and lakes rather than the ocean. Unlike the oyster, the mussel can produce more than one pearl at a time, sometimes as many as 40 or 50. They come in various shapes and sizes.
When pearls are made without the benefit of a mollusk, they are considered man-made. These are created by using some sand or shell along with a fish-based product called hermage to act as a substitute for oyster mucus. Other synthetics include the “glass” bead, a bead painted with hermage and allowed to dry and harden. These have little or no value.
Pearls are considered classic and elegant. They are often the first choice for bridal jewelry and have a reputation for looking good with any outfit, even the most casual ones. They can also add class and elegance to more formal wardrobes. People who are considering buying jewelry that includes them should do some research to find the type of pearl that best suits the person’s needs and budget.
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