Pearl Jewelry having around for centuries now, still keeps on beautifying women all over the world. These gems are usually misunderstood because of the long history and various stories that these beautiful gems have. Over time, Pearls have been enchanting and capturing the hearts of women from all over the globe. Its distinctive exquisiteness adds allurement to the person who wears it. Although Pearl Jewelry is mostly associated with women, there are certain types that are used in creating accessories for men. This gorgeous Pearl Jewelry is very versatile in terms of wearability and function. Pearls can be made into simple studs or embellished in precious gemstones and other precious metals which dictate the function of the Jewelry. These can go with Casual Wear, Business Attire, Evening Gowns and matches perfectly with a Bridal Gown.

Looking back at the stories where these lovely Pearls came from, most were derived from folklores and myths of different cultures. These lovely gems have several ways of being formed into what we would call as the Pearl.  There are three main types of Pearls, the Natural, Cultivated and the Imitation pearls. The first two pearls undergo the same process as to how pearls are made.

The Natural Pearl (usually called as Oriental Pearl) is formed when certain irritants such as sand enters the oyster’s sanctum. The mollusk, acts defensively by secreting a liquid substance (is called nacre) that coats the irritant that is eventually formed into a pearl. The Cultivated Pearl undergoes the same process of creation with the exception that the irritant is planted on the mollusk. More often than not, the irritant that is used to as a core to the pearl are ground oyster shells called Mother of Pearl. The core implanted is bigger than the natural pearls and so as the irritant is covered with nacre, a new pearl is formed. Usually, it takes a really long time for these Pearls to form.  That is one of the main reasons why these pearls are more expensive than the fake one which is the Imitation Pearl.

The Imitation Pearl is created differently from the first two types of pearls. A glass bead is dipped into a solution made from fish scales that coats the bead giving the bead a pear-like luster. Unlike the first two types which was made naturally, this type of pearl is not as strong and as beautiful as the other types. Since this kind of pearl was created in a non-natural way it only has a thin coating. Imitation Pearl would eventually wear off and lose its luster, revealing the bead that was used as a core for the pearl. Since this type was manually created, it is cheap and affordable.

Pearls come from different kind of mollusks such as Oyster, Mussels or Clam (only certain species of these mollusks produce pearls). These come from two sources which are Saltwater and Freshwater. More often than not, Saltwater Pearls have a higher quality than pearls that come from Freshwater. It doesn’t necessarily mean that Freshwater pearls have lesser quality because there are certain types of Freshwater pearls that are considered to have high quality as well. Freshwater pearls also have move variety in colors and shapes as Saltwater pearls usually come in smooth perfect round circles. Nonetheless, the value of the pearl is determined in its individual form and not from its source.

Pearls are so versatile that it can be made into so many types of Jewelry. Usually these pearls are incorporated with precious gemstones like Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds and precious metals such as Gold (that have different variations) and Platinum. Whatever design these pearls are integrated in, it surely brings distinct beauty and elegance with value. Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces and Pendants are just some of types of jewelry that makes use of pearls. In several occasions, pearls are used in making Crowns in the case of the Mikimoto Ms. Universe Crown. This pearl encrusted crown adds to the beauty that Ms. Universe winners are known to have. Mother of pearls on the other hand, is used in making the dial of luxury watches.

Whatever purpose this Pearl Jewelry are used in, added glamour and prestige are sure to be added because of its outstanding beauty. Pearl Jewelry is great not only as an accessory of beauty but also an investment which can be of greater value as it ages.