In ancient Rome, they were considered one of the highest symbols of status. According to legend, even Cleopatra understood the incredible beauty and value of these little gemstones: in an attempt to prove to Marc Antony that she could give the most expensive dinner in history, Cleopatra supposedly crushed a pearl into a glass of wine. With this clear acknowledgement of the beauty and value of pearls, it's little wonder that they have been an incredibly popular choice throughout history and today. 

 

While the pearl is June's birthstone, you don't have to have a June birthday to make the most of this stunning gemstone. In fact, women born at any time of the year are welcome to add this priceless stone to their wardrobes. 

 

Why is the Pearl June's Birthstone?

 

According to ancient Japanese legend, pearls are dewdrops from Heaven that fell into the sea. In reality, of course, these lovely gems have an organic origin: a small irritant is introduced into the shell of an oyster, which then gradually creates the protective layer of pearl around it. While most people think of white pearls when they imagine this stunning stone, they also come in a wide range of other colours: black, cream, grey, blue, lavender, and even mauve. 

 

As a birthstone, pearls are said to encourage fidelity, friendship, and constancy. According to legend, the pearl will help cast evil away from those who wear it--especially those born in June. It is associated with happiness, love, and affection as well as generosity, and may bring the wearer wealth as well as encouraging chastity and purity when it is worn. This might be why, traditionally, many parents choose to start pearl bracelets or necklaces for their daughters when they are young! Pearls are also said to improve anger management abilities and make the wearer more creative, enabling them to break through creative blocks and accomplish incredible creative masterpieces. 

 

The Beauty of Pearls: The Lore

 

Pearls: they're more than just stunningly beautiful. In fact, there are a number of legends and lore associated with their beauty. Pearls are, according to mythology, beloved by the goddess Diana, the goddess Venus, and the goddess Aphrodite. There are many myths and legends associated with pearls throughout history. For example, check out some of these:

 

Black Pearls and Dragons

 

Early Chinese civilizations believed that black pearls, rather than coming from the sea, were born from a dragon's head. According to this legend, when black pearls were fully grown, they were carried in the teeth of the dragon. In order to gather these pearls, a hero had to slay the dragon, then collect them from between its teeth. At this time, black pearls were considered a symbol of great wisdom. 

 

Rainbows

 

According to early Persian legend, on the other hand, pearls were formed in the moment when a rainbow touched the earth after a storm. These stunning gemstones, so they said, gained their imperfections due to thunder and lightning at the moment of the rainbow: a beautiful addition to nature's gift. 

 

Sacred Tears

 

Pearls have any number of origins throughout mythology, but one of the most incredible and recurring depictions of pearls is their presence as tears. Some say that pearls are the tears that Eve shed when she was kicked out of the Garden of Eden. Others claim that pearls are simply tears falling from the heavens, sharing the beauty of the gods with mortals on the earth. In each of these legends, pearls are a sacred representation of powerful tears and reflect the emotion. Perhaps this is why pearls are considered to be such instruments of peace.

 

In addition to their presence throughout mythology, pearls have been strongly recognized many times for their beauty and value. Today, natural-formed pearls--those occurring in nature--remain incredibly rare and precious.

 

While manufactured pearls--those created by deliberate introduction of an irritant into an oyster--are more common, they still offer the incredible value that has been celebrated by royalty throughout the centuries.

 

Ancient Romans were often buried with pearls as a symbol of their wealth, while perfect pearls were used by societies that believed in magic to cast spells for increasing wealth. Both in legend and in reality, pearls remain a stunning example of wealth. 

 

Determining the Value of Pearls

 

Many factors help determine the value of pearls, particularly depending on their use. Natural pearls often vary in colour, size, and other factors. When creating a bracelet, necklace, earrings, or other piece of jewellery, of course, many people consider matching pearls of paramount importance. Other factors also influence the value of pearls

 

Size

 

The bigger, the better: it holds true in pearls as well as other gemstones. Size, while not the most important characteristic in determining the value of a pearl, continues to have a substantial impact on its value. 

 

Colour

 

In general, pearls have a soft, muted colour, rather than a bright or dark one. They can come in a variety of shades and colours, including black, grey, lavender, pink, and blue. Both cultured and natural pearls can have their own gorgeous sheen. Black pearls may have a higher value than other colours of pearls; however, many people often look for that milky white or creamy pearl hue to create the perfect piece of jewellery. 

 

Shape

 

Perfectly round pearls are incredibly difficult to come by, both when it comes to natural pearls and when it comes to those that have been manufactured. Some creators hold their pearls to higher standards of classification than others; however, in general, perfectly round pearls are considered the most valuable, while irregularly shaped pearls decrease slightly in value. Some stunning pieces of pearl jewellery, however, are put together with teardrop pearls, pear-shaped pearls, or pearls that are shaped like ovals, rather than perfectly round. 

 

Lustre

 

Lustre gives a pearl its natural beauty and helps set it apart from many other gemstones. Lustre is defined as the sheen of the pearl: how well it reflects the view around it. Incredibly smooth, shiny pearls often have a higher value than pearls with a duller appearance. 

 

Surface Quality

 

When you buy a gemstone, you understand that it may have scratches and other imperfections in its surface. The same is true of pearls, both natural and manufactured. A smooth, unmarred pearl typically has higher value than pearls with multiple scratches and imperfections. 

 

Understanding Cultured Pearls

 

Pearls are often broken into two categories: natural and cultured. Natural pearls occur in nature, with no input from designers. The oyster simply takes in an irritant and begins to create the pearl around it, entirely on its own. 

 

Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are created by man. They are still made by oysters, but instead of the irritant occurring naturally, oyster farmers deliberately inject a piece of mantle tissue into the oyster. In some cases, tiny beads are used to form the base of the pearl, helping to create the stunning natural shape that will give the pearls their increased beauty. 

 

Typically, the difference between a natural pearl and a cultured pearl is seen primarily underneath a microscope. The nucleus, or the heart of the pearl, will show its initial, man-made shape. The outer part of the pearl, however, appears much the same no matter how the pearl is created. 

 

The Beauty of Pearl Jewellery

 

While the type of jewellery it's set into may change throughout the years, the pearl's draw remains consistent. Ladylike strands of pearls remain popular, especially for brides who want to feel like queens on their special day. Modern jewellery, however, has added a number of incredible alternatives.

 

Pearls are starting to appear in fascinating mixed-stone bracelets, cuffs, and earrings designed for the modern era. Coloured pearls are also steadily increasing in popularity as they add a unique touch to any outfit. Visit some of these amazing options from our jewellers: 

 

Pearl Studs

 

Simple pearl stud earrings add a note of elegance and class to any outfit. Perfect for weddings and celebrations or for wearing on a date night out, pearl stud earrings are the perfect touch for any outfit. 

 

Mikimoto Pearl Necklet

 

Are you looking for a modern piece of jewellery with the classic, timeless elegance of pearls? The Mikimoto Pearl Necklet fits well with any neckline. 

 

Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Pendant

 

A simple, classic pendant combines the perfect beauty of pearl in diamonds in this lovely Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Pendant

 

Mikimoto Pearl Ring

 

This lovely pearl ring is the perfect example of elegance and style. A single pearl set in a stunning band won't weigh the hand down while displaying this gorgeous piece of jewellery.

 

Are you looking for the perfect piece of pearl jewellery for your next event? Seeking some lovely pearls for someone special in your life? If you have any questions or want help, contact us today or check out our amazing gallery of pearl jewellery.