Posts Tagged ‘shell’
Choosing Pearl Necklaces
Clothing worn by the wealthy was frequently embroidered and decorated with pearls. Almost all the pearls available today are cultured pearls. These are produced by pearl farmers giving nature a helping hand. Cultured pearls may be derived from either saltwater or freshwater molluscs. The pearl farmer introduces a small bead of shell into the farmed oyster or mussel. The mollusc then deposits several layers of what is known as ‘nacre’ all around the shell bead. This eventually forms the cultured pearl that is used in jewellery making today. The color of freshwater cultured pearls is governed by the type of host mollusc. Freshwater cultured pearls may be most commonly white or pink, though other colors are possible, including black. This variety of colors enables jewellery makers to introduce variety and pattern into their pearl necklaces, bracelets or earrings.
The pearl necklace has been a particularly popular adornment worn by royalty, titled ladies and most recently, rich and famous women the world over. Film Director Alfred Hitchcock did a great deal to make pearls popular in the 1960′s. His leading ladies frequently sported pearls along with perfect hair-dos and immaculate outfits. For his film ‘The Birds’ Hitchcock famously dressed Tippi Hedren in expensive furs, pearls, and high heeled shoes for the famous scene at the beach. Another of his leading ladies, Grace Kelly, was rarely seen without her pearls. This trait continued long after she became a member of the Monaco royal family.
When considering buying pearl necklaces, it is worth looking upon this as an investment purchase. Unlike items of costume jewellery, pearl necklaces are things you will want to cherish and hopefully pass on to future generations. They are also items that you will want to wear for years, so avoid being swayed into purchasing a necklace that is too fashionable or current. Look instead for the more classical style of jewellery that will still look good in years to come.
10 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Pearls and Birthstones
For centuries, birthstones have been given as gifts to celebrate a person’s birthday. But how did the tradition of birthstones come about? It happened long before the jewelry industry got involved.
Some religious scholars point to the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament where Aaron-the first high priest of Israel and Moses’ older brother-wore a silver breastplate beset with 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
The first century Jewish historian, Josephus, was later credited with making the connection between the 12 months of the year, the 12 signs of the zodiac and the 12 gemstones in Aaron’s breastplate.
Fast-forward to 15th century Poland where wearing the gemstone of the month became in vogue. It was believed that wearing a birthstone during its related month would enhance the magical healing properties of that gemstone. To really maximize a gem’s properties, they would own the whole collection and rotate them by month. (Which sounds like a clever jewelry marketing ploy.)
In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers (Jewelers of America) released its official birthstone list that is still widely used and accepted. That brings us to today and June’s birthstone, the lovely pearl.
10 Pearls of Wisdom
- June actually has three official birthstones: pearl, moonstone and Alexandrite.
- The pearl is also the birthstone for the Sun Signs Gemini and Cancer.
- Alexandrite is named after the Russian tsar, Alexander II, and was the national stone of old Imperial Russia
- Pearls are organic gemstones created when a tiny irritant such as sand enters a mollusk’s shell. The mollusk secretes nacre to coat the object. The layers of which become a pearl.
- Most people believe pearls were the world’s first precious gem because they arrive perfect out of the shell.