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GIA Celebrates Birthstones – Will Pearls Bring You Mental Clarity?
Most gems form within the Earth, but June’s birthstone, pearl, is unique because it is formed in the soft tissue of a living mollusk. Natural pearls are rare; most are cultured by implanting a bead into the mollusk and letting the mollusk coat the bead with nacre for up to two years before the pearl is harvested. Pearls come in an array of colors, with white and cream being most common, then black and gray.
Pink sapphire and diamonds complement the exotic color of this metallic cultured pearl ring. (Photo courtesy of Blaire Beavers, Ring courtesy Takayas Mizuno.)
Pearl culturing began in the early 1900s. Cultured pearls are divided into freshwater and saltwater varieties, and are cultured in pearl farms around the world.
The most familiar pearl colors are white and cream, but pearl colors can extend to virtually every hue.
There are many ancient myths associated with pearls. Ancient Greeks believed that Aphrodite, the goddess of sensuality and beauty, adored the beauty of pearls, and the Chinese believed there was a link between the moon and a pearl’s soft glow. Wearing pearls is believed to bring mental clarity.
“The Peaceful Horizon” is made up of the golden mabé pearl necklace, earrings and ring.
Check out pearl in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.