Pearl is the Birthstone for June Birthdays

The word Pearl comes from the Latin word "pirum" (it means "pear" or the shape).  Pearls have are found inside the shell of an oyster, clam or mussel.

Pink Pearl Swarovski Earrings

How are Pearls Made?
Cultured pearls are produced when man has introduced an irritant into the oyster or mussel and these are then harvested from their saltwater or freshwater environments. 

Pearl Bracelet Soiree Bridal

• Pearls are formed because of a secretion of shelly substance around some irritating foreign particle
• Natural Pearls are either saltwater found in gulfs, bays, seas and oceans or freshwater found in rivers and lakes
• Kokichi Mikimoto was the Japanese man credited as the creator of the cultured pearl
• Natural Pearls are found in the waters of these countries: Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Mannar, the South Pacific, the Gulf of California, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific coast of Mexico, Europe, Japan and Australia
• Pearls come in a wide range of natural colors and shades. The type of oyster or mussel determines the color along with the geographical area

Gold wire and white pearl wire kippah

Colors: Natural (not dyed) colors are white, pink pearls, lilac, cream, grey, black and gold

Cream Glass Pearl Necklace

• Pink pearls are extremely popular
• The Silver-lipped oyster is found in the South Sea around Australia which produces large white and silvery white South Sea pearls
• Tahitian pearls range from black, light black/silvery and dark grey. The rare peacock green color is also referred to as a black pearl. The cheaper black pearls, especially freshwater, are usually dyed

Chunky Pearl Earrings

• Iridescence is the pearly lustre caused by the effect of colors which may be like those of the rainbow or a combination of colors such as pink, blue, green, and silver

Peach Rose Pearl Necklace

• Gold or golden pearls are the colors found in the South Sea

Blue Sterling Silver Pearl Earrings

Types of Pearls:

• South Sea pearls are famous for their gold colors

Beach Sea Comb with Pearls

• The Akoya Pearl is famous for their blue colors - from the Akoya oyster and are cultured seawater pearls produced in China and Japan. The Japanese Akoya pearl (cultured) have brilliant lustre and a higher quality than Chinese Akoya pearl
• Persian Gulf Pearls, Oriental, are some of the finest natural pearls
• Tahitian pearls are famous for their natural black colors
• Mabe pearls are grown in Japan, Indonesia and Australia. Mabe pearls are cultured pearls grown against the inside shell of an oyster rather than within the oyster’s body producing a flat back pearl which are often used in earrings
• The Mikimoto pearl are a leading brand. The company was founded by Kokichi Mikimoto who was the Japanese man credited as the creator of cultured pearls
• Lake Biwa Pearls are freshwater pearls grown in Japan

Hematite Heart Bracelet w/Pearls

Compiled by Linda Blatchford, Jewelry Designer 

http://lindab142.etsy.com

http://linorstorecom.blogspot.com