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The delicate beauty of the pearl has fascinated mankind since the dawn of time. Both primitive tribes and advanced civilizations have cherished the aesthetically pure shape of the pearl representing a special appreciation of art. From early in the history of mankind, the pearl has been a treasure-a symbol of wealth, power, and prestige as well as an object of devotion and respect. Today, the pearl is without a doubt a treasure valued far beyond its worth as an object of fashion.
Pearls have been discovered since prehistoric times. It is not difficult to imagine that the first pearls were found accidentally while searching for food and this round, white and shining object inspired the admiration of our early ancestors. Since then, countless legends from all countries attest that pearl jewelry began to play a part in our human civilization.
Now, however, almost all pearls used for jewelry are cultured by planting a core or nucleus into pearl oysters. The pearls are usually harvested three years after the planting, but it can take up to as long as six years before a pearl is produced. This mariculture process was first developed by Kokichi Mikimoto in japan, who was granted a patent for the process in 1896.
The nucleus is generally a polished bead made from mussel shell. Along with a small scrap of mantle tissue from another oyster to serve as an irritant, it is surgically implanted near the oyster's genitals. Oysters which survive the subsequent surgery to remove the finished pearl are often implanted with a new, larger nucleus as part of the same procedure and then returned to the water for another three years of growth.
The original Japanese cultured pearls, known as Akoya pearls, are produced by a species of small oysters no bigger than 6 to 7 cm in size, hence Japanese pearls larger than 10 mm in diameter are extremely rare and highly priced. In the past couple of decades, cultured pearls have been produced with larger oysters in the south Pacific and Indian Ocean.
Why do pearls continue to mesmerize us? Perhaps it’s because of their simplicity. A single round pearl speaks for itself when it comes to the epitome of feminine beauty. The spherical perfection, color and luster of pearls appeals to all of us. Women want them, and men want to buy them for women. It is the perfect jewel, the perfect gift, and the symbol of perfect femininity throughout the ages and it will continue to do so because simple beauty never goes out of style.
There're several most popular pearls in the world?
The Pearl of Lao-tze
The Pearl of Lao-tze found by an anonymous Muslim Filipino diver off the island of Palawan in 1934 is the largest pearl in the world. In 1936 Wilbur Dowell Cobb was given this pearl as a gift by a chieftain of Palawan for having saved the life of his son
Pearl of Asia
Was found in 17th century India. After the siege of Delhi it became the property of the King of Persia (present-day Iran), who in turn gave it to Chinese Emperor Qianlong.
The Imperial Hong Kong Pearl
The Imperial Hong Kong Pearl was formed in Pinctada Maxima. The Pearl origins are unclear it is believed to have once belonged to the Royalty of China and Purchased by Imperial in Hong Kong in the 1940s
Hope pearl
The Hope pearl is a white drop-shaped freshwater blister pearl of 1,800 grains (450 carats or 4 oz). One of the largest saltwater pearls in existence , the Hope Pearl was first acquired by Henry Philip Hope in the 19th century. It is on display at the British Museum of Natural History.
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