Love pearl Jewellery? Learn some pearls of knowledge about pearls here, from their history to their structure. More than you might realize, pearls have been a common component of jewellery for a very long time. They are frequently considered to be a timeless classic gemstone. But what do you actually know about them? Learn more by continuing to read!
1. PEARLS ARE THE ONLY GEMSTONE TO COME FROM A LIVING CREATURE
Although
they are still regarded as gemstones, rubies and diamonds are easier to compare
to pearls. This is due to the fact that all other gemstones, excluding pearls,
were formed deep inside the Earth's crust and are the only ones that originate
from living organisms. The oysters from which they originate are also eaten as
seafood, and the oyster shell yields mother of pearl, which is also used to
make accessories.
2. NATURAL PEARLS ARE AMONGST THE RAREST JEWELS IN THE WORLD
When we
only consider pearls that form naturally in oysters, as opposed to pearls that
are cultivated in a lab, we realise that they are actually a very rare
gemstone. Less than 1 in 10,000 wild oysters often contain pearls. Previous
overfishing still has an impact on the entire wild oyster population, which
adds to the rarity of natural pearls.
3. IT IS BELIEVED THAT ONLY 1% OF PEARLS USED IN JEWELLERY ARE NATURAL
It is
estimated that 99% of pearls currently on the market were grown rather than
obtained naturally. The first successfully farmed pearl was produced in 1896 by
Kokichi Mikimoto, who also started a trend that satisfied the demand for pearls
while offering a more environmentally friendly way to obtain them. These more
symmetrical cultured pearls gradually gained popularity as a more affordable
substitute for the real ones rather than relying on overfishing to obtain rare
and consequently pricey wild pearls.
Most
natural pearls, it is thought, have already been collected. Even some of the
genuine, natural pearls, which are extremely uncommon to find, fall short of
the standards set by some discerning jewellers for sale.
4. THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE PEARL IS VALUED AT $100 MILLION
This
pearl was kept by its owner under the bed for nearly ten years as a lucky charm; it wasn't until 2016 that authorities found it. A fisherman off the
coast of the Philippines discovered the pearl after the home it was kept in
burned down. The pearl's incredible price is owing to the fact that it is the
biggest pearl ever recorded; it measures an astounding 26 inches in length and
weighs more than 5 stone.
5. Julius Caesar Ordered that Pearls Could Only Be Worn by Aristocrats
Julius Caesar established a regulation in 1 BC that said only the emperors of Ancient
Rome would be allowed to wear pearls. This is so because in ancient Rome,
pearls were thought to be a clear sign of social standing. Caesar wanted to
make sure that they were only available to members of the highest class since
they were seen as a symbol of riches and status.
6. Cleopatra won a wager with pearls
According
to the well-known narrative, Cleopatra said that she could host the most
expensive dinner in history in an effort to win a bet with Marc Anthony. She
was renowned for possessing two of the biggest pearls ever at the time, which
she wore as earrings. She instructed her maids to get the strongest vinegar
they could find and dissolve one of her pearls in the mixture. She then drank
what would be considered the most costly cocktail ever created. The Egyptian
queen Cleopatra was declared the winner of the wager.
7. More Than 7,500 Years Have Passed Since The First Pearl
What
is regarded as the oldest pearl was discovered in 2012 by French experts. It
was found in a graveyard in the United Arab Emirates, where it was given the
name Umm al Quwain in honour of the particular area of the nation where it was
located. Scientists were able to determine that the gemstone was more than
7,500 years old using carbon dating. The diamond that was once thought to be
the oldest pearl was just about 5,000 years old, or about two-thirds as old as
this particular pearl.
8. Pearls Come in Four Main Types
A
freshwater pearl is undoubtedly the most popular and frequently available form
of pearl. These are the four types that are most commonly cultivated in huge
water sources throughout China, and because they are less rare than their
counterparts, they may be purchased for the least expensive prices.
The
most well-known form of pearl, meanwhile, is occasionally thought to be the
saltwater pearl known as the Japanese Akoya. They can be found in both Chinese
and Japanese waters, despite their name. They are renowned for their spherical
forms and for having a particularly lovely lustre.
Another
type of saltwater pearl is the Tahitian pearl, which is grown in the islands of
French Polynesia. They come in stunning colours of grey, purple, blue, and
green, yet they are sometimes referred to as "black pearls."
The
largest pearls are South Sea Pearls, which can be found in the waters off
Australia and the Philippines. They typically have a white, cream, or golden
colour.
9. Pearl Diving Was Once Much Riskier
Legislation
is being used to maximize safety for all divers, including pearl divers, thus
occupational diving is now governed by strict rules and regulations. However,
in the past, pearl divers frequently ran the risk of shark attacks. In reality,
according to National Geographic, the mortality rate for divers was thought to
be a startling 50% in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.
10.The
pearl is One of the recognized birthstones for June
June
babies have three birthstones to choose from, including the priceless pearl,
which is one of their recognized birthstones. In addition to their timeless
beauty, pearls have long been used as gifts for friends and family members
since they are said to represent loyalty, purity, and clarity.
Visit
our website if you want to learn more about birthstone or gemstone jewellery.
For a variety of important occasions, Diamond Heaven provides an astonishing
selection of jewellery that has been meticulously chosen. Please get in touch
with us or stop by one of our Birmingham, London, Manchester, Glasgow, or
Cardiff stores if you want guidance before making a purchase.
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