What is a Pearl?
A pearl is a calcium carbonate deposit that has collected & been formed within the soft tissue of a shelled mollusk, such as an oyster, clam or mussel. The most sought after pearls are nacreous pearls, which are produced by molluscan bivalves or clams. These come from both freshwater lakes or from the sea.
The rarity of the pearl, which is why pearls have been so valued over the centuries, has been due to the fact that fine pearls are so rarely produced in the wild, and it took the killing of many mollusks before one fine pearl was found. This resulted in the creation of a method to artificially introduce an 'irritating' core or nucleus that would encourage the development of a new "cultured" pearl.
Where do usually Pearls come from?
Pearls are created by living creatures called mollusks, unlike gemstones produced deep inside the Earth. Mollusks commonly have a soft, unsegmented body and a hard exterior shell. These animals live in marine and freshwater habitats as well as on land. The evolutionary history of this group extends back some 530 million years, with 100,000 species of mollusks approximately alive today.
Any mollusk that produces a shell can produce a pearl. Nevertheless, naturally occurring pearls are rare, found in perhaps one of every 10,000 animals. The cultured pearl industry, which has flourished since the early 20th century, has developed techniques to greatly improve these odds. More pearls are produced now than at any time in human history.
What shapes do Pearls come in?
There are eight basic pearl shapes round, semi-round, drop, pearl, circle, button, oval, & baroque. Semi-rounds are often used in necklaces, where their lack of full roundness can be hidden. The round pearls are the most valuable as they are the rarest. Pear shaped and drop pearls are often used in earrings, pendants or the center pearl in a necklace. Baroque pearls are very random in shape & are often used individually as center pieces or in necklaces.
Pearl History of Greece
The ancient Greeks were intimately involved in pearls from about 2,500 years ago. Persia was a major source of pearls for the Greeks. Homer describes Juno's pearl earrings: "In three bright drops, her glittering gems suspended from her ears". A beautiful Greek necklace of pearls and gold, which dates from about 2,300 years ago, priceless, was displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of New York 100 years ago. It is one of the oldest known pieces in the world. Though it has lost much of its luster, it is still a stunning piece.
Corfu Island