| In ancient times, it was believed
that pearls were first formed when drops of moonlight fell into the
oceans and were swallowed by oysters. In reality, when an irritant
lodges (or is inserted, in the case of cultured pearls) in an oyster
(mollusk), it coats the irritant with nacre. Nacre, over time, builds
up to form a pearl.
Pearls, the gem of the
sea, have been cherished throughout history as objects of
extraordinary rarity and beauty. Though most think of pearls
as being a lustrous white or cream, pearls are available in a wide
range of colors, such as black, white, pink, cream, gray, gold,
peach and lavender. Tahitian beds produce stunning black pearls. Near the Philippines, glowing golden pearls are
found.
Pearls are round, baroque (asymmetrical) and petal-shaped.
They are found in both freshwater and salt water... natural and
cultured.
Recent Chinese advances in culturing have produced strands
approaching the quality of Akoya pearls, but at a fraction of the
cost.
A visit to Schramm-Bacher Jewelers will introduce you to the
amazing variety of pearl jewelry, both classic and fashion-forward,
available to today's connoisseur. |
