The History and Care of Pearl Jewelry

Many thousands of years ago, long before written history, human beings probably discovered the first pearls while searching the seashore for food. Throughout history, the pearl, with its warm inner glow and shimmering iridescence, has been one of the most highly prized and sought-after gems. Countless references to the pearl can be found in the religions and mythology of cultures from the earliest times. The ancient Egyptians prized pearls so much they were buried with them. Cleopatra reportedly dissolved a single pearl in a glass of wine and drank it simply to win a wager with Mark Anthony that she could consume the wealth of an entire nation in just one meal.

In ancient Rome, pearls were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and social standing. The Greeks held the pearl in high esteem for both its unrivaled beauty and its association with love and marriage. During the Dark Ages, while fair maidens of nobility cherished delicate pearl necklaces, gallant knights often wore pearls into battle. Because pearls were so highly regarded, a number of European countries actually passed laws forbidding anyone but the nobility to wear them.

Pearls were discovered in Central America during the European expansion but greed and lust for the sea-grown gems caused the depletion of virtually all the American pearls oyster populations by the 17th century. But today, with the advent of pearl cultivation, pearls are available and affordable to all.

Unlike gemstones or precious metals, pearls are grown by live oysters far below the surface of the sea. Gemstones must be cut, but pearls are born from oysters complete with a shimmering iridescence, luster and a soft inner glow unlike any other gem on earth.

A natural pearl begins life as a foreign object, such as a parasite or piece of shell that accidentally lodges itself in an oyster's soft inner body where it cannot be expelled. To ease this irritant, the oyster's body takes defensive action by secreting a smooth, hard crystalline substance around the irritant in order to protect itself. This substance is called "nacre". Over time, the irritant will be completely encased by the silky crystalline coatings and the result, ultimately, is the lovely and lustrous gem called a pearl.

Cultured pearls are formed in oysters in an almost identical fashion. The only difference is a person carefully implants the irritant in the oyster, rather than leaving it to chance. Several years are allowed to pass as the "nacre" forms before the pearl is harvested for sale. Periodically, the oysters are lifted from the sea for cleaning and health treatments. Seaweed, barnacles and other sea borne organisms that might interfere with their feeding are removed from the oysters' shells. The shells are also treated with medicinal compounds to discourage parasites. If everything has gone well, a pearl is removed.

Cultured pearls are relatively soft compared to other gemstones and precious metals. So it is important to take special care of your pearls to ensure they will remain bright and beautiful for generations to come. Cosmetics, perfume and hair spray all contain chemicals that can dull the luster of a pearl over extended periods of time. Even acids contained in body oils and perspiration can work to damage luster in the same way.

Therefore, it is best to put your pearls on after applying makeup, perfume and hair spray. Wiping the pearls with a soft damp cloth after you wear them will ensure that they remain free from any harmful build-ups of these compounds. Periodically, the pearls should be washed with a mild soap. Always keep your pearls separated from hard jewelry items, such as metals and other gemstones, to prevent them from scratching your pearls. Pearls are best kept in a soft cloth pouch or a separately lined jewelry box.

If you wear your pearls several times a week, it is best to take them back to your jeweler for re-stringing about once every other year to prevent strand breakage. When having your pearls re-strung, ADC Designs advises and uses only silk thread. Make sure that the silk is knotted between each pearl. Individual knotting will prevent all the pearls in a strand from falling off should a break occur. Knotting also prevents the pearls from rubbing against each other.