History & Introduction

Since ancient times Pearls are considered to be highly valued as gemstones because of their attraction and the beauty they possess and is always exaggerated with the difficulty in finding them since ages. Actually the pearls are different from the other stones, as it is organic and are formed by living organisms. It is created from the soft tissue layer of mollusks like oysters and mussels. Calcium carbonate (in the form of Aragonite) and organic conchiolin makes the composition of pearls, which forms the concentric layers and they are secreted by their host.

The name "pearl" comes from the Middle English word "perle" which is original from the Latin word "perna", meaning "leg." It was named this because of the ham-leg shape of the bivalve mollusc. Availability of natural pearls are extremely rare, naturally small as well as incredibly expensive. As a result now people have developed methods to culture pearls, therefore these beautiful gemstones is enjoyed by many. It even originate from fresh or seawater molluscs. The exquisiteness of pearls is that they are plucked from the shell naturally beautiful, totally made and showing complete luster without cut or polished.

"Umm Al Quwain Pearl", is recorded as the oldest pearls, which is 7,500 year-old, it was found in a grave, in UAE. Earlier when pearls were not cultured than they were harvested from the Persian Gulf, fresh water sources in China, Sri Lankan waters and the rivers of Europe. Later, Christopher Columbus found pearls in South America. Though, pearls are available naturally in the wild and the availability is very limited as well as sporadic. Currently, all the gemstone market are cultured. Pearls are found in wide varieties of shades. Rarely, you will see natural Pearls and seldom used in jewelry. While selling a pearl it is said clearly that it is “Natural Pearl,” otherwise buyers should assume that a Pearl is cultured.

Pearls that are of perfect round shape are considered to be naturally valuable. Other important properties that affects the quality are luster, size, color, surface quality, and nacre thickness. Although, Pearls are naturally round, they can also be semi-round, dropped shaped, baroque, or free-form. Pearl is the birthstone of June.

There are imitation pearls (known as shell pearls) are made by mother-of-pearl, coral or conch shell, whereas others are formed with glass with a coating of solution containing fish scales known as essence d'Orient. Even though, imitation pearls give a part look still they lack the same smoothness or weight as real pearls, and with dim luster.

Recognise - Pearls are recognized with their luster and when rubbed gently with teeth, a little rough surface texture is obtained. In case of imitation pearls you would feel smooth. The surface appearance of natural as well as cultured pearls is alike, however the density of cultured pearls is mainly higher. The only definite way of distinctiveness between natural and cultured pearls is by examining the internal structure. Natural pearls consist of concentric internal layers.

Availability - Pearls are found and cultured in waters all over the world. Natural sea pearls are available in Japan, the Persian Gulf, Australia, Central America, the Gulf of Manaar (between India and Sri Lanka), the South Pacific Islands (including Tahiti and Fiji), the coast of Madagascar, Burma (Myanmar), the Philippines and South America. Natural river pearls are found in Asia, Europe and North America. Cultured seawater pearl sources include Southeast Asia (such as Indonesia and the Philippines), South Pacific Islands (including Tahiti and Fiji), China, Australia, Japan, French Polynesia, and the Philippines. Cultured freshwater pearl sources include China and Japan.

Usages - Pearls are among the most popular gemstones and have been used since ancient times. Whatever type or colour the pearl is found it is used as gemstones, and they are more famous as necklaces. Not only this pearls are also used as bracelets, and can also be the center stone in earrings, rings, and pendants. Pendants are made up non-rounded Pearls like baroque-shaped Pearls.

Buying Guide

Color - Pearls are found in a huge varieties of colors. There are pearls that present iridescence, which is known as orient.

Clarity and Lustre - The luster of pearls depends on the quality of the nacre. Pearls should carry the properties of shiny pearly luster along with the surface carrying sharp and bright reflections. Good quality pearls have surfaces that are blemish-free and smooth with a suitable layer of nacre to increase durability.

Cut and Shape - Pearls are available in different kinds of shapes mainly oval, round, pear-shaped or misshapen (baroque pearls). Still the pearl in regular shape are the best materials. The symmetrical spheres or symmetrical drops are considered to be the most treasured shapes. The size of the pearl depend upon the type of mollusc that they form in and they typically range from 2 mm to 16 mm in diameter.

Treatment - Pearls are often bleached to lighten and enhance their color. In this way, a uniform color can be achieved for beaded necklaces.

Gemological Characteristics:

Chemical Composition	Calcium carbonate + organic substances + water
Color	White, Purple, Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange, Brown, Pink, Gray, Black
Hardness	2.5 - 4.5
Crystal System	Amorphous
Refractive Index	1.52 - 1.69
SG	2.6 - 2.8
Transparency	Opaque
Double Refraction	.156
Luster	Pearly
Cleavage	Not available
Crystal Structure	Orthorhombic, microcrystalline
Density	2.60 - 2.85
Fluorescence	Weak, black pearl: red to reddish; river pearl: strong: pale-green

Classification:

• Tahitian Pearl
• Tahiti pearl
• Cultured Pearl
• Freshwater Pearl
• Natural Pearl
• South Sea Pearl