About freshwater cultured pearls
The pearls we use in our jewellery are freshwater cultured pearls, ethically sourced and farmed by sustainable methods. The pearls are formed in freshwater mussels (Unionidae), which live in lakes, rivers, ponds and other bodies of fresh water.
The mussel creates a pearl as a response to an irritant inside its shell. Maybe that’s why pearls are meant to promote calmness!
It covers the irritant with a secreted substance called nacre: a thin layer of calcium carbonate. The nacre deposit eventually develops into a pearl.
Because the irritants, or invaders, come in all shapes and sizes pearls are usually misshapen. Perfectly round pearls are rare and that’s why they are more expensive.
How to spot a fake
You can tell the difference between real pearls and imitations by looking at them through a microscope. However if you don’t have a microscope to hand, and let’s face it, why would you, rub the pearl against the surface of your front tooth.
Imitation pearls are completely smooth. Real pearls have thin, evenly distributed lines and craters. They will feel slightly gritty. If there is no sound or sensation on your teeth, the pearl is probably an imitation.
How pearls are valued
Their value is determined by a combination of lustre, colour, size, lack of surface flaw and symmetry. It’s the lustre that differentiates between different qualities of pearl. However, generally, the larger the pearl the more valuable it is. Large, perfectly round pearls are rare and highly valued.
Pearls for special occasions
Lucky you if you were born in June because your birthstone is pearl. Pearls are also traditional gifts for third and thirtieth wedding anniversaries.
Caring for your freshwater pearls
* Pearls are a soft gemstone with a low resistance to heat and chemicals. Avoid contact with hairspray, make-up, oils, creams and perfumes etc.
* Don’t let your pearls rub against hard objects such as gold and diamond jewellery. It’s best to store them away from other jewellery, using the silk bag that comes with them for instance.
* Never use jewellery cleaner on your pearls. Clean them with a dry or damp soft cloth or chamois.
* Ironically, considering they are formed in freshwater, you should avoid getting your pearls wet.
Myths about wearing Pearls
Pearls have played a major role in legend, mythology and astrology for thousands of years, and are now regarded as a classic essential to the jewellery box.
In Christianity, pearls are traditionally used to decorate bibles and artefacts that are used in the marriage ceremony.
For Hindus, pearls are associated witht eh moon and considered symbols of love, union, success, happiness, modesty, chastitiy and purity. They also represent perfection and completeness in Islam.
Pearls are also associated with fertility and wearing them on your wedding day is meant to suggest that the bride will bear children soon after the wedding.
Pearls are thought to ward off evil and they are carried for protection from misfortune.
Amelia Pearls
235 Wellsway, Bath, BANES, BA2 4RZ
T: 01225 311 717 E: info@ameliapearls.com
