Pearls: Orbs of Miraculous Beauty
Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Undina Collection Venus necklace handcrafted in pearls, 174.85 carats (total weight) rock crystal quartz and oxidized recycled sterling silver. Photo credit: Julie Stanley/JuleImages
Mystical and miraculous, pearls have captivated us for millennia. Unlike gemstones mined from the ground, pearls are born inside a living creature.
A pearl’s shimmering beauty begins when an irritant enters certain salt and freshwater mollusks. These humble creatures respond by coating the irritant within layers of calcium carbonate, the same material that lines their shells. These layers build up like tree-rings, in concentric circles, over many years and, just like trees, older and larger pearls will have more rings than younger and smaller pearls. The reflection of light on these overlapping translucent layers, known as mother-of-pearl or nacre, gives pearls their signature iridescent sheen.
Pearls are rarely found in the wild with only one in about 10,000 mollusks containing a natural pearl. Today, most pearls on the market are cultivated in collaboration with Mother Nature. Cultured pearl technology requires highly skilled seeding technicians implanting mollusks with a tiny mother-of-pearl “seed” or bit of mantle tissue as the irritant that will initiate nacre production. The mollusks are then placed in special netted-panels and nurtured in pristine waters on pearl farms for several months to years depending on pearl type and desired quality. Constant care, proper nutrients and ideal weather are necessary for the mollusks to produce pearls. Even when all the proper attention and steps have been taken it is still up to the individual mollusk and Mother Nature to decide whether a pearl will be produced.
While pearl farmers work hard to cultivate flawless identically matched pearls, I prefer pearls with more character and a broad range of textures. My favorites are the tiniest of seed pearls. Often only 1-2mm in size, seed pearls are gorgeous when pin-set in clusters and mixed with other gems.
A pair of Adva hoop earrings in pearls and oxidized recycled sterling silver sits on Michelle Pajak-Reynolds workbench. Photo credit: Michelle Pajak-Reynolds
Pearls are one of the three modern birthstones for June. The other birthstones for June are moonstone and alexandrite. Many cultures consider pearls symbols of transformation, resilience, wisdom, and enlightenment. Their beauty comes from time and patience, formed slowly layer by layer inside a living creature, which makes them a quiet reminder that grace and strength often grow together.
While strong, pearl jewelry does require special care. A soft cloth is the best and safest way to maintain the beauty of your pearls. Pearls can also be damaged from too much exposure to hair styling products, make-up, body lotion and perfume. Gently wipe your pearls with a soft dry cloth after wearing and store them in a soft cloth pouch to prevent chips and scratches.
Below are a few on my favorite pearl jewelry designs from my ever evolving collections.
