We hear a lot about pearl jewelry, but most of us are unaware of how they are formed.

Unlike other gemstones, pearl is not produced in the deep cores of earth. Rather it is produced by a living organism.

Pearls are produced within the soft tissues of a living mollusk better known as oysters and mussels. Mollusks generally have an unsegmented body and a hard exterior shell, like a snail. They are found in marine and freshwater. Any mollusk that produces a shell can produce a pearl.

Pearl is not just formed on their own in the mollusks. They are formed when some kind of small object, typically a parasite or a piece of organic matter, becomes embedded in the tissue of an oyster or mollusk. As a result, the mantle tissue of the mollusk secretes nacre, chemically known as calcium carbonate or conchiolin. As the nacre builds up in layers, it surrounds the irritant and eventually forms a pearl. These pearls are known as natural pearls.

Cultured pearl, on the contrary, are those formed by humans; by inserting a foreign object into the tissue of an oyster or mollusk resulting in the same natural processing of pearls.

For a number of years, pearls were said to be supernal and possessing powers. In fact they were often associated with ideas such as God, Heaven, purity etc. They were said to exhibit supernatural powers for healing, good fortune, prosperity and love.

Pearl is also the birthstone of those born in the month of June and symbolizes faith and charity.

Until the recent trend of cultured pearl, pearls have always been a hallmark of wealth and fortune. They were once, only owned by the nobility and the wealthiest of families.

There is saying that ?the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls.? This saying evinces the fact that pearl culturing is a delicate process and provides no guaranteed results.

Nevertheless, pearl jewelry have been and are the most alluring jewelry, liked and desired by every woman. Be it a string of pearls or a simple pearl ring, they certainly are appealing.

The value of pearls is determined by its

Size

Shape

Color

Luster

Surface quality

Native Americans of the Atlantic Coastal areas and the Mississippi River Basin were the first to collect and use U.S. freshwater mussel pearls and shells.

Pearls are basically of 3 types:

Akoya Pearls- generally white or cream in color

Black Tahitian Pearls- generally black and hues such as grey, silver, blue, green

South Sea Pearls- The most expensive; silver or golden in color.

Pearls are generally named after their shape. We have Baroques that can be any shape, stick pearls, button pearls, seed or rice pearls, rounds and drops. Perfectly round pearls being the rarest , are the most valuable one. Although pearls are delicate and rare, they have been successfully used in jewelry for ages. A classic string of round pearls is a must have according to every cosmopolitan woman.

Now that you details on pearls, how do you differentiate real pearls from faux pearls. The thumb rule is that real pearls will feel slightly gritty, while most imitations will be feel smooth when rubbed across the surface of your teeth.

Pearl jewelry are delicate, so they should be handled with care. They should always be kept in soft cloth bag away from other materials. They should be kept away from heat. They should not be worn while using hairspray or perfume. Remember, your pearls don't require chemical cleaning. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all that is needed.

Always remember to buy your pearl jewelry from trademarked dealers and take good care of the quality.

Pearls are one the most beauteous gemstones in world. Add them to your attire; they'll never let you down.