Pearl For All

The natural pearl is one of the oldest known gems in the world and the only one produced inside a living being. Until just a hundred year ago, pearls were the preserve of aristocracy and royalty. And now, since sources of both freshwater and saltwater natural pearls have all but disappeared due to pollution and overfishing, the chances of finding a quality pearl in nature are literally a million to one.

Nowadays, pearls can be cultured in a natural controlled environment, either in sea water or fresh water. Though it may take years for a cultured pearl to develop fully, and the areas in which they can be cultivated are limited, they are no longer prohibitively expensive. The quality of freshwater pearls in particular is as fine as that of those cultivated in salt water and even rivals the natural pearl for iridescence and durability.

Natural handmade jewelry designs use the cultured freshwater pearl in a new collection featuring handmade necklaces, bracelets, earrings and earstuds in settings that accent the pearl's natural luster and appeal. In keeping with the trend for beaded jewelry, they are strung on pearl-friendly material such as linen, that does not grate against the nacre. A silver setting for earrings and studs offsets the pearl to its best advantage.

Freshwater pearls come in a greater variety of colors and shapes than their saltwater counterparts; they are all nacre, solid pearl, and cost a fraction of the price of saltwater pearls of equivalent quality. They are more resistant to wear and tear and when properly looked after can last indefinitely.

It used to be said that a strand of pearls is an essential item in a lady's jewelry collection, and for men it is a pearl tie pin or a pair of pearl cufflinks. More recently, earstuds or a single-pearl necklace or pendant on a leather cord have become popular items for both men and women.

Author : Michael Briton

Picture Credit : 

http://www.japanese-akoya-pearl.com/
http://www.beadinpath.com/PER-1189-p-freshwater_pearls_multi.html