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Pearls
Pearls fit into two categories: freshwater and saltwater. As their name implies, freshwater pearls are formed in freshwater mussels that live in lakes, rivers, ponds and other bodies of fresh water. Most freshwater cultured pearls sold today come from China. By contrast, saltwater pearls grow in oysters that live in the ocean, usually in protected lagoons. Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian are the three main types of saltwater pearls.
"Cultured pearl” refers to the process by which a grain is introduced into an oyster or mollusk causing it to secret nacre, a combination of crystalline and organic substances. As the nacre builds up in layers, it surrounds the irritant and eventually forms a pearl. So by actually inserting a foreign object into the tissue of an oyster or mollusk, pearl farmers can induce the creation of a pearl.
“Natural pearls” are those pearls, which are formed in nature, more or less by chance. Quality natural pearls are very rare jewels. The actual value of a natural pearl is determined as other "precious" gems. Valuation factors include size, shape and quality of surface, orient, and luster.
Very few matched strands of natural pearls exist, and those that do often sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Yachtsman and financier Cartier purchased the landmark Cartier store on Fifth Avenue in New York for $100 cash and a double strand of matched natural pearls valued at $1 million.
BIRTHSTONE: Pearls are the modern birthstone for the month of June.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: Pearls are the accepted gift for both the 3rd and the 30th Jubilee wedding anniversaries.
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