The beautiful pearl originates in oceans, lakes, and rivers around the globe. It is an organic gem that grows inside living saltwater or freshwater mollusks, such as an oyster or a mussel.
Natural pearls form when the mollusk secretes a lustrous substance (known as “nacre” or mother of pearl) around an irritant, such as a granule of sand that has found its way into the mollusk’s shell.
Cultured pearls are made in a similar way but with the intervention of humans helping the irritants get inside mollusk shells to trigger the process.
Natural pearls have been harvested from the Persian Gulf for at least 5,000 years and from the Red Sea since 300 BC. Pearls have been found in the Indian Ocean since 2000 BC. Starting in the 16th century, substantial pearl harvests were taken from the waters off Mexico, Central America, and what is now Venezuela during Spanish colonial rule. Few pearls can be found in any of these areas today.
Pearls have been cultured since the Chinese Sung Dynasty (960-1279 AD). Modern cultured pearl technology developed in Japan in the early 1900s and takes 2-7 years to produce each pearl, depending on the size and certain other factors. More than 95% of all pearls sold worldwide today are of the cultivated variety.
The June birthstone meaning is “sweet simplicity.” Pearls have long been associated with innocence, purity, and humility. As such, they are often given as gifts or worn by the bride at her wedding.
Ancient civilizations in the Middle East considered pearls to be teardrops that had fallen from heaven. In China, pearls were thought to have emerged from the brains of dragons. Christopher Columbus and other 15th and 16th-century world explorers suspected that pearls were created by mollusks using dew drops.
In Atharvaveda, the ancient Sanskrit text, pearls were said to bestow long life and prosperity. In Asia, they were thought to help relieve indigestion. Some 19th-century Arab physicians prescribed pearl powder to quiet nervous tremors, improve eyesight, and ease depression.
Futer Bros. Jewelers maintains a large availability of pearl jewelry pieces in store, from pearl earrings to pearl necklaces, pearl bracelets to pearl rings, and more. Whatever you are looking for in pearl jewelry, Futer Bros. is bound to have it – or else we can get it for you quickly. Visit us today to pick out your next piece of summertime sheen and luster.
Natural vs. Cultured Pearls
Natural pearls form when the mollusk secretes a lustrous substance (known as “nacre” or mother of pearl) around an irritant, such as a granule of sand that has found its way into the mollusk’s shell.
Cultured pearls are made in a similar way but with the intervention of humans helping the irritants get inside mollusk shells to trigger the process.
Natural pearls have been harvested from the Persian Gulf for at least 5,000 years and from the Red Sea since 300 BC. Pearls have been found in the Indian Ocean since 2000 BC. Starting in the 16th century, substantial pearl harvests were taken from the waters off Mexico, Central America, and what is now Venezuela during Spanish colonial rule. Few pearls can be found in any of these areas today.
Pearls have been cultured since the Chinese Sung Dynasty (960-1279 AD). Modern cultured pearl technology developed in Japan in the early 1900s and takes 2-7 years to produce each pearl, depending on the size and certain other factors. More than 95% of all pearls sold worldwide today are of the cultivated variety.
Meaning and Symbolism
The June birthstone meaning is “sweet simplicity.” Pearls have long been associated with innocence, purity, and humility. As such, they are often given as gifts or worn by the bride at her wedding.
Ancient civilizations in the Middle East considered pearls to be teardrops that had fallen from heaven. In China, pearls were thought to have emerged from the brains of dragons. Christopher Columbus and other 15th and 16th-century world explorers suspected that pearls were created by mollusks using dew drops.
In Atharvaveda, the ancient Sanskrit text, pearls were said to bestow long life and prosperity. In Asia, they were thought to help relieve indigestion. Some 19th-century Arab physicians prescribed pearl powder to quiet nervous tremors, improve eyesight, and ease depression.
Care and Cleaning
- Pearls are soft stones (2.5 to 3.0 on the Mohs Scale of hardness). They should be stored separately from other stones and metal jewelry to avoid scratching.
- If wearing the June birthstone, allow any perfume, hair products, and cosmetics to dry before putting on your pearls.
- Do not store pearls in plastic bags. Plastic can emit a chemical that damages the pearl’s sensitive surface.
- The best way to clean your June birthstone is to use a soft, damp cloth to wipe them down after each time they are worn.