Pearls have always been popular. They are a classic that never go out of style. I've been using freshwater pearls in my jewelry designs for years. Long ago, I had to stick with the white rice sized pearls because of cost issues. However, over the years they have become a lot more affordable and thus a lot more popular. Besides change in price, I am amazed at the shapes and colors that are now available in freshwater pearls Colors include pink, peach, gray, and even yellow, and freshwater pearls are no longer only rice shaped. Round, potato, coin, square, and button are some of the shapes available these days.

 

Pearls Today:

The growing popularity of pearls has a lot to do with their affordability. One reason pearls have become so inexpensive is because China managed to replace Japan as the pearl leader. Though it still takes a few years to grow a pearl, China has developed a system that has enabled it to provide larger quantities of pearls that also vary in color and shape. While China's pearl process has grown, Japan's pearl industry has slowed down due to water pollution.

Pearl History:

Though most often associated with Japanese and Chinese cultures, pearls have also been popular in ancient Egypt and Rome, Persia, and India. Natural pearls are created when an irritant, such as a piece of shell or sand, enters an oyster. The oyster then covers it with layer upon layer of nacre, and this eventually becomes a pearl. Cultured pearls are started by man and then finished by nature. Instead of an irritant "accidentally" entering the oyster, someone purposely inserts a piece of mother of pearl shell into the oyster. Just as a farmer plants a seed and waits for it to grow, the pearl farmer takes care of his oysters so that nature assists him in creating his crop of pearls. Pearls are cultivated in other areas besides China and Japan including Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Burma.

Pearl Lore:

There are an almost infinite number of myths and folk lore associated with pearls:

* Pearls have the powers of love, money, protection, and luck.

* Pearls were dedicated by the Romans to Isis and they were worn to obtain her favor.

* In early Chinese myths, pearls fell from the sky when dragons fought among the clouds.

Pearl Care:

Special care is needed for pearls. Since they are a natural substance and are porous, it is important to make sure they do not absorb cologne, hair spray, lotions, or make up. It is always recommend that the wearer puts pearls on last so contact to these are limited. When pearl jewelry is purchased, it is often accompanied by a silk or felt pouch. These pouches should be saved to keep the pearls in because pearls are easily scratched. To clean pearls, do not use any jewelry cleaners. Instead, wipe them gently with a damp cloth. Another great way to take care of pearls is to wear them. The oils from your skin help keep the pearls from drying out.