How Pearls are Formed

Pearls are found only in bivalve mollusks (a kind of shellfish) that line their shells with nacre (consists chiefly of thin layers of aragonite, a hard, lustrous form of calcium carbonate. It also contains small amounts of calcite, a less lustrous form of calcium carbonate, and a gluelike protein called conchiolin.). Pearl-producing mollusks are popularly called "pearl oysters," but true oysters do not produce nacre. Several group of mollusks form pearls, the finest gems come from the genus Pinctada. The quality and appearance of pearl will depend on where it was raised, factors like water quality, water content, climate and the environment contribute to the quality of pearl produced.

How to care for your pearl:

• Pearls are made of nacre. Nacre is damaged by contact with the acids in human skin, and contrary to popular opinion, pearls keep their beauty longer if they are not frequently worn.
• Avoid contact with perspiration, sweat contains acids that can harm the pearl's surface, to avoid this remove pearls when doing strenuous activity.
• Keep your pearl individually in a soft cloth pouch, because they can be scratched easily with other metals and gemstones.

• Avoid spraying your pearl with perfume and hairspray, it contains chemical that can harm the surface of the pearl. Always put on your pearl after you finish applying all this product.

• Make sure to take off your pearl before you apply your hand and body cream.
• Clean you pearl with mild liquid soap and water, avoid using abrasive cleaners and cloths. Rinse and place on soft towel or cloth to dry. Do not hang pearls to dry as this may stretch the silk thread.
• Restring your pearl periodically to prevent breakage. Pearl should be restrung with silk thread and knotted between each pearl. Knotting prevents the pearls from all falling from the thread if there is a breakage as well as prevents the pearls from rubbing to each other.