The Pearl is the modern birthstone for the month of June. The beautiful pearl is the only gem that is created from a living organism, the Oyster. The process of pearl formation is actually a reaction to an irritant within the oyster itself. This irritation causes a material called nacre to envelope the irritant and over time creates a beautiful pearl.
Mineral - Protein Combination
CaCo3 and conchiolin in the form "nacre"
Grading Parameters
Lustre, Shape, Color, Surface, Size
Grading System
AAA to A "or" A-D System
Pearls come in different varieties such as cultured Akoya's, freshwater pearls, tahitian pearls, black pearls. Other varieties of pearls are barogues which display an irregular appearance and Mabe pearls that are cultivated blister pearls.
The name "pearl", comes from the latin word, "perula" or small pear. The Chinese were the first to cultivate pearls in saltwater, but over the years they were cultivated in saltwater and freshwater alike. Today, some of the finest cultivated pearls come from Japan. Pearls are associated with purity, wisdom through experience and perfection.
