Pearls
History
Pearls are about 5000 years old. The existence of pearls can be traced to 2200 B.C. Pearls were used by Roman Emperors to produce matchless gems. The Persian and Saudi-Arabian shores are homes to cultured pearls. The oldest cultured pearl is about 4000 years old. Romans were innate lovers of pearls. The other name for pearls is ‘Margarita’. Queen Elizabeth I was very much passionate about pearls. She had 3000 pearls embroidered on her gown. Pearls, owing to their lustrous appearance, hardly need any special treatment to enhance their beauty.
Types of pearls
Cultured pearls
There are a variety of cultured pearls (freshwater) in the market. The 13th century marks the beginning of cultured pearls. The first of its kind were ‘Biwa’ pearls from Japan. They dominated the market from 1924 to 1970s.Due to monopoly of ‘Biwa’ pearls in the international market; the ‘Biwa’ lake got polluted largely, which led to the end of pearl production in Japan. Today Chinese pearls have captured the world. The species used for cultivation are ‘Hyriopsis schlegeli’.
Akoya pearls
Till 90s, Japan dominated the market of saltwater (Akoya in Japanese) pearls. Later on, China took over the baton. The species that cultivate these pearls are Pteriidae, better known as Pinctada fucata martensii.
Tahitian pearls
They are very big in size. The species ’Pinctada maxima’ is used to cultivate these bright pearls. The Tahitian black pearl is the most valuable pearl. The colors range from bright silver, pink, dark gold, cream, blue, and green.
Pearl Earrings
Pearls are combined with yellow/white gold and combined with diamonds to make attractive earrings. Every pearl earring is simply marvelous.
Pearl Rings
These consist of 18-karat yellow or white gold, with beautiful pearls at the centre.
Popularity: 7%
