In order for any outfit to be complete, it needs to have accessories, and what better way to style it up than with pearls? Out of the many types of jewelry available, pearls seem to be the most sought-after choice among style icons. It is classy, timeless and can be worn with both casual and formal outfits.
Whether you are going on a casual brunch date with your friends wearing denim jeans and a monochromatic tee or attending an office party wearing a gown, you cannot go wrong if you accessorize your look with some pretty pearls.
However, this isn’t the only great thing about this unique type of jewelry. In fact, there are five fascinating facts about pearls which make them that much more special.
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There are four types of pearls
As a true pearl lover, you should know that there are four types of pearls available. These are Akoya, freshwater, Tahitian and South Sea pearls. All types have their own unique characteristics and differ from each other in terms of size, shape, color and value.
For example, the Akoya pearls are one of the most sought-after pearl types which are commonly used to make matching necklaces, bracelets and earrings. If you are looking for classic pearl jewelry pieces to spice up any look, you should check out professional pearl jewelry sellers such as www.purepearls.com to find a matching set that best suits your style.
Pearls are created by a living creature
Pearls are the only gemstone that comes from a living creature, specifically oysters and mussels. A pearl is formed when an irritant, such as a microscopic organism or a piece of sand, becomes accidentally lodged in an oyster’s soft inner body. This causes the inner body to secrete a crystalline substance called nacre which builds up around the irritant in layers to protect the inner organs from scratching until a pearl is formed.
Depending on the growth rate of the nacre, most pearls typically take from two to four years to fully develop. When they do, they can be mostly found in the freshwater rivers and ponds in China or off the coast of Japan, French Polynesia and Australia.
Most market pearls today are cultured
Because natural pearls are very rare to find, almost every pearl on the market today is cultured. This means that these pearls are created with the help of human pearl farmers who physically insert an irritant into a mollusk. Once inserted, the mollusk begins to create the pearl in the same way as it would in nature.
This technique was first introduced by Kokichi Mikimoto who basically changed the pearl industry forever. With his invention, he fulfilled the global demand for pearls and made it possible for people to afford this beautiful gemstone.
Black pearls are the rarest pearl type
Another interesting fact about pearls is they can also come in black color, making them the rarest kind of all types. These pearls are formed when the irritant gets stuck in the inner body of a specific black-lipped oyster. The black nacre is predominantly secreted towards the outer parts of the oyster, and if the pearl forms near that band it will gain the exact coloring.
These pearls are known as Tahitian pearls and are the only natural black gemstone. They often come with secondary overtones, with peacock, silver and blue-green being the most common ones.
Pearls can be worn both by men too
If you thought that pearls are only suited for women, think again. Due to the classic, elegant and versatile appearance of this jewel, men are also big fans of pearls. The truth is they have been wearing this stunning piece of jewelry since ancient times to show power, prestige and authority, as it was shown by the King of England, Charles I, who was known for his single teardrop-shaped pearl earring.
Today, there are many male style icons and celebrities such as Harry Styles, Pharrell Williams and A$AP Rocky who wear pearls in unique ways to events. Besides jewelry, they also wear them as cufflinks and tie tacks.
Final thoughts
Pearls are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful jewelry types out there. This isn’t only due to their timeless, elegant and versatile look, but also because of their unique characteristics that make them suitable for both men and women. They come in many styles, colors, shapes and sizes and can suit anyone’s fashion taste and skin tone.
So, if you are a true pearl lover, be sure to read our guide and learn some fascinating facts about this stunning gemstone that make it the most sought-after among fashionistas.