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- Baroque pearls - objects of fascination
Baroque pearls - objects of fascination
Baroque pearls - objects of fascination
The simple, elegant pearl is the most complex of all our world's natural precious gems, whether organic or mineral. They were once considered the tears of the gods. Until the early 20th century, they were commonly prized above diamonds. Pearls have been objects of fascination — and sometimes obsession — for millennia.
According to an old Chinese legend, the moon has the power to create pearls, endowing them with its essential glow and its mystery. Wearing pearls is said to be an emotional protector in that it helps you achieve the right balance between trusting your inner defenses and taking emotional risks.
Pearls begin within oysters and mollusks in the sea and are made of the inner-lining of the shell, called mother-of-pearl or 'nacre'. These shellfish protect themselves from intruding parasites or grit by building up layers of nacre they secrete around the irritant within. The pearl's shape depends on the shape of the invader. The pearl's real quality depends upon its high lustre, the consistency of its layers, and thickness of nacre around it. I am drawn to the finest unique baroque, keishi, and rare Akoya pearls grown in the Sea of Japan. These shapes have their own form of perfection and balance.
Some believe that Julius Caesar invaded Britain to secure a supply of them. Recently, however, they’ve been considered more traditional than trend-setting. Many people still believe the best pearls are perfectly round, just like our grandmother's old-fashioned strands.
Not any more! Modern pearls are now farmed in salt and freshwaters, and come in all kinds of shapes and natural colors, usually depending on what the mollusk ate for breakfast. Most are grown in Asian waters. These days, cultured pearls make up nearly 95% of the pearls we enjoy. However, my baroque, keshi and Akoya pearls are not found in large quantities and are an extremely rare form of pearl grown in salt waters.
The simple, elegant pearl is the most complex of all our world's natural precious gems, whether organic or mineral. They were once considered the tears of the gods. Until the early 20th century, they were commonly prized above diamonds. Pearls have been objects of fascination — and sometimes obsession — for millennia.
According to an old Chinese legend, the moon has the power to create pearls, endowing them with its essential glow and its mystery. Wearing pearls is said to be an emotional protector in that it helps you achieve the right balance between trusting your inner defenses and taking emotional risks.
Pearls begin within oysters and mollusks in the sea and are made of the inner-lining of the shell, called mother-of-pearl or 'nacre'. These shellfish protect themselves from intruding parasites or grit by building up layers of nacre they secrete around the irritant within. The pearl's shape depends on the shape of the invader. The pearl's real quality depends upon its high lustre, the consistency of its layers, and thickness of nacre around it. I am drawn to the finest unique baroque, keishi, and rare Akoya pearls grown in the Sea of Japan. These shapes have their own form of perfection and balance.
Some believe that Julius Caesar invaded Britain to secure a supply of them. Recently, however, they’ve been considered more traditional than trend-setting. Many people still believe the best pearls are perfectly round, just like our grandmother's old-fashioned strands.
Not any more! Modern pearls are now farmed in salt and freshwaters, and come in all kinds of shapes and natural colors, usually depending on what the mollusk ate for breakfast. Most are grown in Asian waters. These days, cultured pearls make up nearly 95% of the pearls we enjoy. However, my baroque, keshi and Akoya pearls are not found in large quantities and are an extremely rare form of pearl grown in salt waters.