September 14, 2020
Stone Stories: Pearls
Throughout history, the pearl, with its warm inner glow and shimmering iridescence, has been one of the most highly prized and sought after gems. In ancient Rome, pearls were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and social standing. The Greeks held the pearl in high esteem for both its unrivaled beauty and its association with love and marriage. Pearls are the birthstone for June.
Pearls can happen naturally but often times an oyster or mollusk is artificially "seeded" with a tiny grain of sand or other object. This is called a cultured pearl. The mollusk then excretes a coating to protect itself from the irritant. Several layers are accreted, creating a real pearl. How cool?
Pearls can happen naturally but often times an oyster or mollusk is artificially "seeded" with a tiny grain of sand or other object. This is called a cultured pearl. The mollusk then excretes a coating to protect itself from the irritant. Several layers are accreted, creating a real pearl. How cool?