The pearl has come out of its shell!
From the Duchess of Cambridge to Sarah Jessica Parker, pearls are becoming the go to accessory.
According to Forbes, pearls are "replacing diamonds as a staple among fashionistas worldwide thanks to the influence of celebrities like Katy Perry, Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson and Kiera Knightley, who pair pearls with sophisticated attire to create a modern classic look"
Nearly all cultured freshwater pearls now come from China; they are an example of nature being given a gentle caress to help her along her magical way. Each of the mussels they come from is surgically implanted with 24 to 32 tiny pieces of mantle tissue, a process known as nucleation.
Once the tissue has been inserted, a sac forms and cells begin secreting nacre (pronounced NAY-ker) to protect the mussel from the irritation caused by the implanted mantle. This creates the calcium-carbonate compound – the pearl. Over the course of 2 to 7 years, the mussels deposit layer upon layer of nacre around the growing gems, generally producing more than two dozen pearls clustered on the inside of each shell.
Natural wonders that have been treasured for centuries. Greek mythology proclaimed pearls to be tears of joy shed by the goddess Aphrodite; Ancient Egyptians associated pearls with Isis, the goddess of healing and life. Unlike gemstones Pearls need no enhancement to reveal their timeless beauty.
The beauty of cultured freshwater pearls is characterised by their distinctive surface texture and remarkable lustre.
Unique and affordable, cultured freshwater pearls are best known for their unusual shapes, from baroque to the most popular button shape they come in a wide variety of sizes and colours. In addition to traditional white and cream, freshwater pearls are seen in a rainbow of pastel colours making them a versatile accessory.
Steeped in tradition, pearls are cherished today as a traditional wedding gift, a birthstone, and in jewellery that’s both a classic and contemporary addition to any outfit.
Our cultured freshwater pearl jewellery can be found at The Bijoux Magpie
Enjoy!
Catherine.
