Pearl

Pearls are not just gemstones; they are a history etched in nacre. Since ancient times, they have captivated with their beauty and mystery, becoming a symbol of luxury, power, and perfection. Unlike sparkling minerals extracted from the earth's depths, pearls are born in the aquatic realm, shrouded in secrets and legends.

The process of pearl formation is a true marvel. When a foreign object, like a grain of sand, finds its way into a mollusk's shell, the creature defends itself by enveloping the "intruder" in layers of nacre. Nacre is the same substance that lines the inside of the shell, composed of calcium carbonate and an organic substance called conchiolin. Layer upon layer, the mollusk builds a pearly shell around the irritant, which over time transforms into a shimmering pearl.

Several types of pearls differ in origin, shape, color, and size:

• Freshwater pearls: Formed in freshwater mollusks that inhabit rivers and lakes. They typically have a more irregular shape and diverse hues compared to saltwater pearls.
• Saltwater pearls: Born within the shells of marine mollusks. They are prized for their perfectly round shape, brilliant luster, and classic white or cream colors.
• Cultured pearls: These are pearls cultivated on special farms. The formation process is the same as with natural pearls, but with human intervention, which introduces a foreign object into the mollusk's shell.

The color palette of pearls is striking in its diversity. From classic white and cream shades to delicate pinks, lavenders, golds, and even blacks—each pearl possesses its own unique beauty.

Pearl shapes can also vary: perfectly round, oval, pear-shaped, or baroque (irregularly shaped).

Pearl size is measured in millimeters. Tiny pearls are used to create delicate jewelry, while large specimens become true treasures and works of art.

Ancient world: Pearls were known even in the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China. They were valued on par with gold and precious stones, and only members of the nobility and royal families could wear them.

Middle Ages: In the Middle Ages, pearls remained a symbol of wealth and power. They were used to decorate crowns, clothing, and religious objects.

Age of Exploration: With the discovery of the New World, a stream of pearls extracted from the Caribbean Sea flooded Europe. This led to a decrease in their value but did not diminish their popularity.

20th century: The development of pearl cultivation technologies significantly increased their accessibility.

In ancient and medieval times, pearls were exorbitantly expensive. There are cases when entire fortunes were exchanged for a single pearl. The most famous example of a pearl sale confirming its high price is the exchange of a Cartier pearl necklace for a building in the center of New York on 5th Avenue. Currently, it is the Cartier mansion.

You can also purchase a pearl necklace from us, but you won't need to mortgage your house. You can view our pearl necklace collection by clicking the button below.

The development of pearl cultivation has made the price of pearls more affordable. However, the cost of a pearl still depends on many factors: origin, size, shape, color, luster, and nacre quality.

In our boutiques, you will find pearls of the highest quality, and you can be sure that you are purchasing genuine pearls. You can find out more about our pearl jewelry by clicking the button below.

Our boutiques offer only the highest quality, genuine pearls, ensuring your purchase is truly special.

Explore our exquisite pearl collection online. Click below to discover your next treasure.