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. Usually I found that the white, rice size pearls where the best bargain. Recently, however, they seem to be more popular than ever and more affordable. On one trip to a G&LW show, I purchased some beautiful strands of pearls and I was amazed at the shapes and colors that are now available in freshwater pearls. Some colors now available (other than white) are pink, peach, gray, and even yellow. Freshwater pearls are no longer only rice shaped. Round, potato, and rondel are some of the shapes which can be found now.

Pearls Today:

I believe today’s popularity has a lot to do with the prices. Since pearls are so affordable, they can be worn by more people. QVC often has shows featuring jewelry from Honora. They offered a large selection of pearl jewelry at great prices. The representative from Honora explains (using some excellent video footage) that the reason pearls are so inexpensive is because China has replaced Japan as the pearl leader. Though it still takes a few years to grow a pearl, China has developed a system that has enabled them to provided 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. Many pearl web sites included their own version of pearl myths. Here are a few that I found:

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. So, 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 they 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.

For more information about the history, care, lore, and trends, take a look at the links provided in the Pearls section of this site.

All graphics created by Tammy Powley.

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