Pearls are one of the few organic gemstones—meaning they come from plants or animals. Pearls are formed inside the shells of certain mollusks, such as oysters and mussels. They are created when an irritant, like a grain of sand, gets inside the mollusk and the animal secretes nacre (the same substance as the inside of their shells!) to coat the irritant, which forms the pearl. Pearls are sought after for their lustrous appearance and iridescence. Pearls can come in a range of naturally occurring colours - from rich aubergine to light pink and varying shades in between. However, pearls are often bleached of their natural colour, or dyed to achieve a uniform look for jewellery making. 

Featuring: Large Pearl Necklace with Heart Token Pendant

There are several types of pearls: Akoya pearls, Freshwater pearls, Tahitian pearls, and South Sea pearls. Akoya pearls are known for their white colour and uniform round shape, while freshwater pearls are more affordable and come in various shapes and sizes. Tahitian pearls are the only naturally occurring "black" pearl, though they come in varying shades from light grey, to purple, to charcoal-black. South Sea pearls are the rarest type of pearl, known for their beautiful white or golden colour. 

Unlike natural pearls, which form in the wild without any human intervention, cultured pearls are created through a deliberate process that involves the careful insertion of an irritant into the soft tissue of the mollusk. Just like when a natural pearl forms, the mollusk secretes layers of nacre in response to this irritant. Over time, these layers build up and form a cultured pearl. Cultured pearls come in all  varieties, which allows for more choice in terms of size, shape, colour, and lustre, all at a more affordable price point for consumers. 

Featuring: Aveline Ring, with Chevron Band (1.5mm, 9 diamonds)

To keep your pearls looking their best, it's important to take proper care of them. Pearls are a very delicate gemstone, scoring between a 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This is why you see pearls mainly set in earrings and necklaces as opposed to rings, which are often subject to much more wear and tear. If your dream engagement ring features a pearl, just be aware that they require more care and attention from the wearer. Do not steam clean or place your pearl jewellery in an ultrasonic cleaner. Avoid exposing your pearl jewellery to harsh chemicals, perfumes, or lotions as these can damage the pearls' lustre. Store them in a cool, dry place separately from your other jewellery to prevent scratches. Be sure to wipe them clean with a soft cloth after wearing to remove any oils or dirt.

More Pearls from Everyday Evorden

Featuring: Diamond Drop Pearl Earrings, Long Chain Pearl Necklace, and Double Pearl Drop Earrings

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