Pearls, which stand out as magnificent accessories and have been a symbol of elegance throughout history, are much more than just any gemstone; they hold a special value. Pearls, being a timeless treasure, never go out of fashion, and they are highly sought after. Here, we answer the most frequently asked questions about pearls.
How are Pearls Formed?
Pearls undergo a completely natural formation process. This process begins with a foreign substance entering the shell of mollusks like oysters and mussels. Sometimes this process can take years, resulting in the elegant beauty of pearls.
The foreign substances that enter oysters cause irritation, leading to the secretion of a substance known as nacre, made of aragonite crystals, also called mother-of-pearl. This secretion covers the foreign substance, gradually forming the pearl.
How to Recognize Real Pearls?
There are certain key points to distinguish real pearls from fake ones. However, it is always recommended to purchase pearls from reputable brands to ensure their authenticity.
- Real pearls are not perfectly smooth and may have slight imperfections.
- When touched, real pearls feel cooler.
- Real pearls are heavier compared to fake ones.
- Rubbing a real pearl against your teeth will feel slightly gritty.
Do Pearls Reproduce?
The phenomenon known as "pearl reproduction" or "pearl giving birth" in popular culture actually occurs due to the wear and tear of pearls. Improperly cared for pearls, affected by environmental factors and changes in chemistry, can develop various imperfections and irregularities. Pearl reproduction is a flaw resulting from incorrect care.
What is Cultured Pearl?
Cultured pearls, like naturally occurring pearls, are pearls produced by human intervention in mollusks such as oysters and similar marine organisms. Cultured pearls are considered real pearls, just like natural pearls.
Cultured pearls are produced by placing a mother-of-pearl nucleus and a bead inside an oyster, creating the appropriate environment for pearl formation. The oyster triggers its natural defense mechanism over time, transforming the nucleus into a pearl.
What are the Benefits of Pearl Gemstone?
Pearls have held significant importance in many cultures throughout history. It is believed that wearing this gemstone provides various benefits:
- Maintains skin health: One of the most common beliefs about the benefits of pearls is their ability to maintain and enhance skin health. This gemstone, considered a symbol of beauty in many cultures, is believed to beautify its wearer.
- Reduces stress: Wearing pearl jewelry is believed to be beneficial for problems like stress and anxiety.
- Supports sleep patterns: There is a widespread belief that people with insomnia can regulate their sleep patterns after using pearls.
- Boosts the immune system: It is believed that pearls have an effect that supports bodily functions and strengthens the immune system.
- Brings love and luck: Especially pink-toned pearls are believed to bring love and luck to the wearer. Traces of this belief can be found in many cultures throughout history.
Which Pearls Are More Valuable?
The value scale of pearls is determined by factors such as their size, color, shape, and perfection. Since each pearl has a unique structure, generally, larger, brighter, and more flawlessly surfaced pearls are considered more valuable.
Do Pearls Change Color?
Properly cared for pearls, stored under appropriate conditions, do not change color.
However, exposure to various chemicals, sweat, sunlight, perfume, and similar factors can cause pearls to change color.
White pearls that are not properly cared for and come into contact with chemicals can turn yellow.
What to Consider When Buying Pearls?
Just like any natural stone, it is possible to come across fake pearls. When buying pearls, the most important thing to consider is the reliability of the seller.
Furthermore, it is important to remember that pearls with lower prices are more likely to be fake.
How Should Pearls Be Maintained?
Pearls are more delicate than commonly thought. To be able to use them for many years, they need to be properly cared for to avoid wear, scratches, and deformations.
Cleaning your pearls should be done with a soft cloth that does not contain any chemicals.
Cleaning your pearls should be done with a soft cloth that does not contain any chemicals.