How are pearls formed?

Limiting pearls to June anniversaries would be like limiting water to rivers and lakes. The beauty, appeal, and style of pearls — whether freshwater or saltwater — make their way into nearly every woman's wardrobe. And thanks to cultured pearls, developed in the early 20th century, they're now widely accessible.

The story of how pearls form sounds like a fairy tale where the protagonist is perceived as a threat and cast out from the world with no chance of redemption. So, how are pearls formed? Here's how the story unfolds:

Every pearl begins when an irritant somehow finds its way into an oyster (or other bivalve mollusk). Sensing the threat, the mollusk reacts to protect its soft inner tissue. It encapsulates the irritant with successive translucent layers of nacre, smoothing its surface so that the oyster and the irritant can coexist. As far as the oyster knows, the irritant will remain there permanently.

Then, miraculously, someone opens the mollusk to find a treasure of great beauty. The once-troublesome "irritant" emerges as a pearl and enters a world of love and appreciation, living happily ever after. The end! ...or is it? Here are a few facts:

With so many pearls available today, it's hard to grasp just how rare natural pearls are, regardless of size. They're so rare that for millennia they were the most coveted gems in the world. To own one was to possess a beauty of incomparable value. Only royalty and other wealthy individuals had any hope of owning pearls. "The Hope Pearl," "La Peregrina," and "The Mary Tudor Pearl" are examples of famous pearls throughout history.

Both ancient India and China gave rise to remarkable myths about the origin and powers of pearls. Vedic texts describe pearls as born from the water of the Earth and the powers of Heaven, each one fertilized by a bolt of lightning. Pearls were considered "daughters of the moon," reflecting their luster.

How do pearls stay beautiful? They need to be worn often. If stored in a warm, airless environment, they can dry out and crack. Pearls need the natural oils from skin to enhance their shine and color, and after each wear, they should be wiped with a damp cloth to remove any residue from cosmetics.

Write to us at info@priscillasayegh.com for information about the pearls we use in our jewelry, as well as quotes for custom pearl pieces.