June's Birthstone: Pearl

     For centuries, pearls have symbolized power, romance, fertility, and good health. Ancient Egyptian and Japanese medicines often contained ground-up pearls.
     A natural pearl forms in nature when an accidental irritant, such as a pebble or piece of shell, enters a mollusk. In a defensive response, the mollusk begins to secrete nacre, which is deposited onto the irritant. Cultured pearls are formed much the same way, but with man rather than nature supplying the irritant.
     Pearl quality is based on six factors. Size, although having nothing to do with pearl quality, is the greatest factor in determining price. Large, gemstone quality pearls are more rare and valuable than smaller ones. Luster is thought to be the most important factoring the beauty of a pearl. It is the quality of light reflection from the pearl’s surface. Surface Condition refers to the pearl’s freedom of pits, spots, or other markings. Shape contributes to the value of a pearl because spherical pearls are more prized than their irregularly-shaped counterparts. Color is genetically determined by the mollusk in which the pearl grew. There is no one “best” color – customer preference is most important. Nacre Thickness protects the surface from chipping and peeling, helping the pearl to last for generations.

Mikimoto Pearl Strand Necklace
18k White Gold
18" A+ 8mm x 7.5mm
$6000