Pearls and Pearl Jewelry

Pearls that were once the domain of rich, famous and affluent have now become available to all. Pearl has always been the most sought after gems because of its natural beauty and brilliant lustrous appeal.

Pearls were also treasured as a unique symbol of showing great opulence. British Royalties had exquisite amount of collections of rare beautiful pearls all the time. They were limited to be worn by worriers and rulers. Many European countries passed laws forbidding the wearing of pearls by others outside of the nobility. In Roman Empire pearls were considered ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity.

It was only the wealthy people who enjoyed the privilege of possessing and wearing the precious pearl jewelry. During ancient times, pearls were considered signs of love, health and prosperity. Many believed that they are tears from the Heaven or Goddess that nurtures in oyster's womb.

Pearl hunting was done by few sea-divers extracting them by opening the oysters from sea floor or riverbeds but that was dangerous and risky. Because of unpredictable nature of oyster growth, the pearls found were varying in quality and limited supply. Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan who perfected and patented his bead nucleating process in early 20th Century which revolutionized the entire pearl cultivation.

Now millions of these cultured pearls are produced in Japan, China, Australia and other Far Eastern Asian regions of the world. You will find pearl farming in Central America seawater as well as in Mississippi River area.

The most commonly used and internationally recognized grading system by the pearl jewelry industry in general is A to AAA to determine the true pearl value. Strict adherence is often difficult when matching in a pearl strand. But this alphanumeric ranking alone does not have much of significance to a customer and often puzzling.

Lustrous quality, color, size and pearl type are the key factors when it comes to pricing.

By Kheri Chawla