PEARL
Pearl — Organic Material and Naturally Formed Lustre
Pearls form within certain mollusks. They are materials of biological origin, combining mineral and organic components.
Pearls occur in many shapes and colours: from round to irregular baroque forms, and from white and cream to grey, pink and other shades.
Gemological Properties
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Material type | Material formed through a biological process within a mollusk |
| Main mineral composition | Calcium carbonate — CaCO₃ |
| Structure in nacreous pearls | Primarily aragonite platelets, alongside organic material |
| Colours | White, cream, grey, black, pink, golden and other shades |
| Hardness | Approximately 2.5–3 on the Mohs scale |
| Refractive indices | Approximately 1.52–1.69 |
| Specific gravity | Approximately 2.60–2.85 |
| Shapes | Round, near-round, drop, button and baroque |
These are reference values; pearl type, structure and internal components may affect the properties.
Natural Pearls, Cultured Pearls and Imitations
Natural pearls form without human intervention in their formation. Cultured pearls grow in mollusks after deliberate intervention, such as insertion of tissue and sometimes a bead nucleus.
A cultured pearl is a genuine pearl formed in a mollusk, but should not be described as a natural pearl in the gemological sense. An imitation is a material intended to resemble a pearl.
Types of Cultured Pearls
The main types include akoya, South Sea, Tahitian and freshwater cultured pearls. They differ in the mollusks that produce them, their growing environments and their ranges of size, colour and shape.
Each type includes different quality levels; the name alone does not determine value.
Lustre, Quality and Price
Pearl evaluation considers size, shape, colour, lustre, surface condition and nacre quality. Jewellery containing several pearls is also evaluated for matching.
High-quality lustre produces bright, sharp reflections. A large pearl is not necessarily more valuable than a smaller pearl of higher quality.
Treatments and Identification
Pearls may undergo bleaching, dyeing, irradiation or other treatments to improve appearance. Attractive colour alone does not establish that it is natural, and known treatments should be disclosed.
Professional examination can help identify pearl type and investigate signs of treatment.
Trade in Pearls
Trade in pearls is not subject to a blanket prohibition, but remains governed by local law. Import and export permits may be required depending on the mollusk species and the pearl’s origin, particularly for species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Care and Cleaning
Pearls are soft and sensitive to scratching, heat and chemicals, including perfume and cosmetics. Wipe them with a soft, clean cloth after wearing.
Do not clean pearls with steam or ultrasonic cleaners. For occasional thorough cleaning, use lukewarm water and mild soap. For a pearl strand, ensure the string is completely dry before wearing.
Sources Around the World
Pearl sources depend on type: cultured akoya pearls are produced in Japan and China; South Sea pearls in Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines; Tahitian pearls in French Polynesia; and cultured freshwater pearls primarily in China.
Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning — Beliefs and Traditions
The pearl is a symbol of purity.
For years there was a belief that the pearls at sea were the tears of the angels who had fallen into the depths of the sea. for the sins of man.
The pearl is considered the queen of gemstones and symbolizes classic and elegant so pearls were in great demand among royal and aristocratic families
The difference between the pearl and the rest of the gemstones is that it is not considered a mineral but an organic material.
The pearl symbolizes inner peace and tranquility, so it is excellent against anger.
Pearls has the ability to help us receive love. They enhance inner integrity and encourage loyalty, truth, faith and purity.
The origin of the pearl is in the water that symbolizes most of all the energy of life. Therefore, the pearl has the ability to transmit special feminine healing energy.
Since it symbolizes purity, it helps increase trust between people. It opens channels for spiritual guidance and helps grow and develop emotionally.
Improves the gynecological system and helps in difficult situations of birth or menstruation as it balances the hormonal system.
These meanings belong to the realm of belief and symbolism. They can give jewellery personal significance, but they are not proven gemological properties or a promise of healing, protection or a change in health.
Pearls in Personal Jewellery
At TzurGems Jewelry & Gemstones, we examine the pearls and plan a combination suited to their shape, colour and lustre. Guy’s gemological knowledge and Rafael’s craftsmanship come together to create personal jewellery, from a single pearl to combinations of pearls and other gemstones.