-
Home /
Education Gemstone /
pearl
Featured Gem PEARL
The birthstone for June, pearls are the only gemstone formed by a living creature. They shimmer in a range of colors, including lavender, gold, peach, and silver–though they’re most commonly a white or cream color. Delicate and bright, pearls came to symbolize innocence and purity for many cultures throughout history. They are a traditional gift for brides on their wedding days.
BIRTHSTONE: JUNE
overview
The pearls that are used the most are the white and cream colors. However, there is a wide variety of colors from which to choose. The South Sea and Tahitian pearls can be green, pink or black in both natural pearls and the cultured. Cultured pearls are farmed by inserting a piece of natural tissue that irritates the mollusk. The mollusk starts coating it with nacre and this results in a pearl.
2206 BC
Pearls are first written about by a historian in China.
653 fifth avenue
Pierre Cartier successfully offered natural pearl strands for a 5th Avenue mansion in New York City in 1917.
Japan
Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultures a pearl in Japan.
QUALITY FACTORS
These factors determines the value of each type of pearl.
luster
The pearl's luster gives the pearl its richness of color and reflective surface.
surface quality
The most value is placed on the pearls with the least amount of blemishes.
shape
The highest value is for round pearls, but symmetrical drops are also valuable.
size
The type of mollusk that made the pearl is the factor in how large the pearl will be.