For thousands of years, pearls been valued for their rarity, perfect shape, and beautiful color. Although they are formed by animals rather than geologic processes, they are considered gemstones, and their main use is in creating beautiful jewelry.

Where They Come From

Pearls are formed when an irritant accidentally gets inside the shell of a mollusk, such as a clam or oyster. It is then covered in layers of calcium carbonate. Although all shellfish are capable of producing these deposits, only a few species create the round, iridescent, and valuable gems. In addition, this happens rarely in the wild, meaning that for thousands of years the pearl was among the most highly valued gems. In recent years, a type of artificial pearl has been created by manually inserting irritants into shellfish, but natural ones are still much more valuable.

Shapes and Colors

The pearl is famous for being white, but the gem comes in a number of different colors. A naturally occurring pearl can also sometimes appear in yellow, green, pink, silver, blue, brown, or green. A true black pearl is extremely rare and valuable. In addition, rounded gems are the most valuable, though they may also come in teardrop shapes or with baroque frills.

Pearl History

Throughout history, most pearls were retrieved by divers in and around the Indian Ocean and South Pacific. Each ton of oysters harvested by the divers would usually yield only one pearl. Because of this, they were often reserved only for royalty.

Pearl Jewelry

Strings of pearls have always been a popular type of jewelry; in the 1920’s long pearl necklaces were all the rage, and in the fifties every women had to have a short strand. Today, pearl jewelry might also include necklaces, rings, and bracelets. They are even popular secondhand; if you have a necklace or set of earrings, you can sell your jewelry to make some extra cash.

The pearl is sleek, elegant, and never goes out of style. Buying, wearing, and selling pearls is a way of continuing a tradition that’s thousands of years old; everyone admires their stunning luster, shape, and purity. Call (480) 949-9299 today to learn more about selling your loose pearls and pearl jewelry to Ralph Mueller & Associates, an established jewelry buyer in Phoenix.