Coloured Gemstone Jewellery Guide

These lustrous beauties are the only gemstones created by living organisms. Formed inside certain mollusks, such as oysters and mussels, pearls are a result of a natural defence mechanism when an irritant, like a grain of sand, infiltrates the mollusk's shell. To protect itself, the mollusk secretes layers of nacre around the irritant, forming the pearl over time. Pearls come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, each with its unique charm. Common pearl shapes include round, oval, button, drop, and baroque. The colour spectrum ranges from classic white and cream to various shades of pink, peach, lavender, and even black. The shine of a pearl is determined by its lustre, which depends on the quality and thickness of the nacre layers.

Pearls have a deep-rooted history that transcends various cultures and time periods. Here are some key aspects of pearl lore and their symbolic significance:

1. Symbol of Purity: Pearls have long been associated with purity and innocence. This association stems from the belief that pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a grain of sand, enters an oyster or mollusk and the creature coats it with layers of nacre to protect itself. This gradual process of forming a pearl symbolises the journey from impurity to beauty, much like a transformation from a simple irritant to a precious gem.
2. Love and Marriage: Throughout history, pearls have been associated with love and marriage. In many cultures, pearls are considered symbols of enduring love and are often given as gifts on weddings and anniversaries. They are believed to enhance the bond between couples and bring harmony and happiness to relationships.
3. Spiritual Significance: In various spiritual traditions, pearls hold symbolic significance. In Hinduism, pearls are associated with the moon and are believed to represent purity and wisdom. In Islamic tradition, pearls are considered a reward in paradise. Additionally, pearls have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for their purported healing properties and connection to spiritual energy.
4. Symbol of Wisdom: Pearls have been linked to wisdom and knowledge in various cultures. The gradual and patient process of pearl formation is seen as a reflection of the wisdom gained through life's experiences.

The lore and meaning of pearls encompass a diverse range of symbols, including purity, love, wealth, spirituality, and wisdom. These lustrous gems have captured the imagination and admiration of humanity for centuries, and their enduring significance continues to make them treasured and meaningful gemstones to this day.

The most common type of pearl-producing mollusk is the oyster. Cultured pearls, which are the pearls commonly used in jewellery, are produced through a process called pearl farming. In pearl farming, a small bead or piece of mantle tissue from a donor oyster is surgically implanted into the host oyster. The oyster then begins to coat the implanted material with nacre, gradually forming a pearl over time.

Natural pearls, on the other hand, are formed without human intervention when an irritant accidentally enters the mollusk. However, natural pearls are exceedingly rare, and most pearls found in the market today are cultured pearls.

Cultured pearls are found in various regions around the world, where pearl farming has become a thriving industry. Some of the most renowned areas for pearl production include Japan, known for its classic Akoya pearls; China, a major player in freshwater and Akoya pearl cultivation; French Polynesia, particularly Tahiti, famous for its exquisite black Tahitian pearls; and Australia, which produces large and high-quality South Sea pearls in various shades. Additionally, Venezuela is emerging as a notable producer of freshwater pearls, and New Zealand has also made strides in the pearl farming sector, contributing to the diversity and beauty of cultured pearls found across the globe.