Pearls, Glorious Pearls

The pearls we often see today are cultured, meaning the oyster is more or less forced to make the gem. With cultured pearl farms all over the world, this beautiful and timeless gem is now easily obtained.

The culturing process officially began in 1893 when the first pearl was "created" by Kokichi Mikimoto. Simply, a pearl is made by placing a tiny bit of shell or other debris inside the oyster. It is then coated in layers of nacre until a pearl is formed. After several months, the pearl is harvested.

It was Mikimoto's desire to see pearls around the throat of every woman, not just the wealthy. In developing the culturing process, he made that wish a distinct possibility. 

There are so many works of art out there featuring pearls. Several are posted below for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

This article was originally published at A Lady's Deception, (c) Laura J Miller, and is reprinted here with permission.
*For more info on Mikimoto and pearl culturing visit these sites: Cultured Pearls: History of Mikimoto; Mikimoto Kōkichi; Cultured pearl

Necklace: Hand-Knotted Pearls

18 inch strand of white saltwater pearls, hand-knotted with 100% silk thread and 0.925 sterling silver clasp.

Price: $150.00

What are hand-knotted pearls?

Exactly what is says: There is a tiny knot between each pearl that is done by hand. This makes the pearls look better and the necklace is less likely to break since the cut edge of the bead hole wears on the knot instead of the thread itself. If it does break only one pearl is lost rather than an entire strand. Having the pearls spaced also reduces the wear on the beads themselves. Hand-knotted pearls are also referred to as heirloom jewelry.

Pendant: Saltwater Pearl Daisy - Black

Pendant: Genuine Chinese Akoya cultured saltwater pearls arranged with 0.925 sterling silver wire to form a daisy. Six black pearls and one white pearl for a total of seven (7) genuine 7mm saltwater pearls. Comes with an 18 inch gray satin cord.

Pendant: Saltwater Pearl Daisy - White

Pendant: Genuine Chinese Akoya cultured saltwater pearls arranged with 0.925 sterling silver wire to form a daisy. Six white pearls and one black pearl for a total of seven (7) genuine 7mm saltwater pearls. Comes with an 18 inch gray satin cord.