Pearl
Name
There are different assumptions where the name of the pearl comes from, probably the latin word "ham" (perna) which refers to the shape of some pearl mussels. For a long time, the Pearl was one of the most precious gems of all and a means of demonstrating power, prestige, social status and wealth.
Mineral group
Pearl are marine products and made of nacre - a dazzling mineral composed mostly of calcium carbonate (about 90%) which grows inside saltwater and freshwater mollusks. Due to their rarity, beauty and hardness, they have always been considered gemstones The vast majority of pearls are cultured - a product of human intervention; natural pearls are exceedingly rare and can be found in the art regions of the warm seas.
Locations
The most significant perl occurrences are in china, with annually breeding about 2 billion pearls. Perls are commonly differentiated according to their origin: Akoya pearls which are mostly breed in China, Japan and also Vietnam. Then you have the south Sea pearls coming from Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Another type of pearl is the Tahitian pearl from the islands of French Polynesia and last but not least you have the freshwater cultured pearls mainly from China and United States.
Color
The color scale ranges from white, cream, rosé, orange, gold, bronze, copper, silver and silver gray all the way to black. The bodycolor varies by the type of mollusk it is formed in but all pearls come in a silky shiny texture. In ancient Rome pearls were the most valuable thing money could buy and still today pearls are very precious. White pearls are still the most classical and sought after.
Cut
Pearls don’t really have a „cut“ however the surface is very crucial for the value. Pearls with little to no damage are the most valuable. Symmetrical round to oval shapes are the most sought-after but there are also other popular shapes like drop-shaped, irregular or asymmetrical (baroque).
Power
In Chinese traditions the pearl has been mentioned as a precious possession of nobles and as a gift for kings and emperors over centuries. The pearl is said to be a symbol of purity and innocence. Pearls are "light-bringer". They trigger geisitges growth, it helps us to recognize problems and solve them. Pearls are supposed to protect against coming mischief, misfortune and false friends and give our skin a velvety mother of pearl. So beauty, contentment and love should be preserved.
Birthstone
The pearl is the birthstone of June, along with moonstone and alexandrite. So whoever is born in June can be proud to call 3 birthstones their own. Every one of it very special in its own appearance.
Mohs scale
The Mohs hardness describes the hardness of a mineral on a scale of 1 to 10 and is named after its inventor, the German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs (1773 - 1839). It is the basis of the hardness test. Friedrich Mohs scored various minerals against each other and arranged them according to their hardness. The scale consists of a series of 10 minerals, each of which "scratches" all standing in front of him. Diamonds have a Mohs hardness of 10 and are therefore the hardest minerals.
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1 + 2 can be scratched with the bare fingernail
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1 - 5 can be scratched with the knife
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6 - 10 can be scratched with pane
The pearl has hardness 3.5-4 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Care
The best way to maintain the pearl is with a damp cloth since pearls are relatively soft and fragile. It is safe to use warm soapy water for occasional cleaning.
Not recommended: Ultrasonic and steam cleaners and do not store your pearls in air tight areas for prolonged periods of time.
Combination
Pearls can be combined with various materials and gemstones, like diamonds, moonstones and other soft and elegant colors. Cashmere and silk clothes underline the subtle beauty of this gemstone.